Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints, causing them to become stiff and painful. It most commonly affects the hips, knees, and small joints in the hands, but may occur anywhere in the body. It’s the most common form of arthritis, affecting tens of millions of people worldwide, more women than men.

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis:

• People with osteoarthritis may experience:
• Continuous or worsening joint pain
• Stiffness and difficulty moving the affected joint
• Visible swelling or changes in joint shape

Symptoms often develop gradually and vary from person to person. Early on, pain may appear only during movement, but as the condition progresses, pain can remain even at rest.

Causes of osteoarthritis

While the exact causes of osteoarthritis are unknown, there are several risk factors:

• Genetics: 60% of people have a relative with the condition
• Repetitive use: strain on the joints from work, sport, or strenuous exercise
• Hormonal changes: menopause-related decline in the hormone oestrogen
• Injury: previous fractures or damage to joints
• Weight: excess weight increases stress on joints and can speed up the progression of the condition

Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) is a non-invasive treatment that may help people with osteoarthritis walk further, move more freely, and live with less pain. Unlike the higher doses of radiation used to treat cancer, LDRT uses a much lower, highly targeted dose. It’s designed to complement, rather than replace, standard therapies, offering an additional treatment pathway for people who continue to have symptoms despite physiotherapy, medication, or other conservative measures.

International research and clinical experience show that LDRT may:

• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Improve joint function and mobility
• Potentially slow the progression of osteoarthritis

LDRT has been safely used overseas for more than a decade, with minimal side effects due to its tiny dose of radiation.

It may be an option for people who:

• Have not found relief with physiotherapy or medication
• Are not suitable candidates for surgery
• Prefer an alternative to long-term pain medication or surgery

Who might benefit

By helping reduce pain and improve mobility, LDRT may support a more active, comfortable lifestyle and help people enjoy everyday activities again.

LDRT may be considered in people aged 40+ with:

• Mild to moderate osteoarthritis, as confirmed by x-ray, or
• Moderate to severe pain despite medication, and/or physiotherapy.

We’ll will meet with you, review your symptoms and scans, and help decide whether LDRT is the right option for you.

What to expect

At Icon, we understand that starting a new treatment can feel overwhelming. We’ll guide you through each step, tailoring your treatment to your individual needs.

• Consultation and assessment – Meet with a specialist to discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and determine if LDRT is suitable for you
• Personalised treatment plan – Design a plan focused on reducing pain and improving mobility
• Treatment sessions – LDRT sessions are quick, painless, and typically have minimal side effects
• Ongoing support – We’ll monitor your progress and be available to answer questions at every stage of your treatment.