Low-Dose Radiotherapy for Arthritis: A Gentle Alternative for Pain Relief
Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, underwent low dose radiotherapy in Germany for his tendinitis. He went on to win another Olympic gold medal.
Usain Bolt, the world-renowned Olympic sprinter, reportedly underwent low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) to manage chronic pain from an old injury. As an athlete who put immense strain on his joints over the years, Bolt explored LDRT as a non-invasive option to reduce inflammation and improve mobility. While not widely known, LDRT has been used in Germany and Austria for conditions like arthritis and tendonitis. His experience highlights the potential of this treatment for pain relief, though larger studies are still needed to support wider adoption.
What is Low-Dose Radiotherapy (LDRT)?
Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) is an emerging treatment for inflammatory joint diseases, including osteoarthritis and tenditis. Using very low doses of radiation, this therapy aims to reduce pain and inflammation without the side effects commonly associated with higher-dose radiation treatments used in cancer therapy.
Evidence and Clinical Guidelines
LDRT has been widely practiced in Germany and Austria for decades and is included in their national guidelines for treating degenerative and inflammatory joint conditions. Studies have shown that LDRT can provide long-lasting pain relief, improved joint function, and reduced inflammation for many patients. While there is promising clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness, the lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials has limited its adoption in many countries, including Singapore.
Treatment Process and Cost
LDRT typically involves 5 to 6 short treatment sessions over a few weeks. The radiation dose is significantly lower than conventional radiotherapy for cancer, making it a safe and well-tolerated option for arthritis patients. In Singapore, the estimated cost for a full course of LDRT is around $3,000 to $4,000 SGD. Due to national policies allowing insurance and medisave claims for cancer indications only, payment for radiotherapy for arthritis is out-of-pocket.
Is LDRT Right for You?
LDRT may be an option for patients with chronic arthritis who have not found sufficient relief with medications or physical therapy. If you are interested in exploring this treatment, consult with a radiation oncologist to determine if LDRT is suitable for your condition.
Patients who are not candidates for knee replacement or other surgical therapies, may benefit. However, when the arthritis is too severe and there is already late-stage cartilage and bone erosions with mechanical instability, LDRT will not work so well.
How LDRT works
Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) works by delivering very small doses of ionizing radiation to inflamed joints, helping to reduce pain and inflammation. Unlike high-dose radiotherapy used for cancer treatment, LDRT does not destroy cells but instead modulates immune and inflammatory responses. It is believed to influence the behavior of inflammatory cells, leading to decreased cytokine production and improved tissue healing. The treatment is painless, non-invasive, and typically given over multiple short sessions, with effects gradually improving over weeks to months.
