New treatment for Osteoarthritis offered at Winfield Healthcare Center

Nov 25, 2023

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Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting over 32 million Americans, and is the second leading cause of disability in the U.S. This health condition is characterized as a progressive disorder typically presenting with signs of joint stiffness, pain, and loss of mobility. It commonly affects both large and small joints, including the hands, hips, and knees.

William Newton Radiation Oncology in Winfield is now offering low-dose radiation therapy to treat osteoarthritis. Radiation therapy has been used worldwide to treat benign conditions for over a century. Through several decades of investigation, it has become apparent that radiation therapy has different biologic effects at different doses. At low doses, radiation therapy has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory effects.

Radiation oncologist Dr. David Bryant has been offering low-dose radiation therapy treatments in the Wichita area and patients are experiencing life-changing results.

"In the morning when I got up, I couldn't close my hands,” explains grateful patient Rod Schmidt who was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis. “I couldn’t grip anything, like take a lid off a jar or carry anything heavy. My fingers would lock up in the middle of the night. Then, there was the pain, too. It just ached all the time."

Patients receive two treatments per week for three weeks and then have retreatment six weeks later for a total of 12 treatments. The low-dose radiation used does not hurt, sting, or burn when it enters the body, and most patients experience little or no side effects.

Schmidt revealed, "About halfway through my second round, I woke up in the morning and could make a fist. Then, it just kept getting better and better. I can grip things now. I can twist things off now. I can screw a screw! It's just remarkable the difference it makes, and I’m so thankful that I can be almost normal.”

He added, “My wife is thankful, too! My honey-do list just got a bit longer."

William Newton Radiation Oncology encourages patients with osteoarthritis to talk to their primary care provider about low-dose radiation therapy. To learn more, contact William Newton Radiation Oncology at 620-229-9345.

Editorial Notes: This article was submitted for the "Weekend Check-Up," a regular health column in the Cowley CourierTraveler penned by employees and friends of William Newton Hospital. William Newton Radiation Oncology is located at Winfield Healthcare Center through a partnership with William Newton Hospital and Ascension Via Christi Hospitals Wichita. For over 20 years, this partnership has enabled access to complete cancer care for the people of Winfield and surrounding areas.