CommonSpirit St. Mary-Corwin Hospital in Pueblo, Colorado, has begun offering a new therapy using low-dose radiation to treat osteoarthritis pain. The hospital says this approach is designed for patients seeking relief from chronic joint pain without undergoing surgery.
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes joint pain and limits mobility for millions of people in the United States. Traditional treatments often involve medications, corticosteroid injections, or surgical procedures. The hospital’s new therapy uses targeted low-dose radiation, which is commonly used in cancer care but at much lower levels for this purpose.
Dr. Mohit Agarwal, Radiation Oncologist at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital, said: “At St. Mary-Corwin, we are continually seeking innovative solutions to improve the lives of our patients. This low-dose radiation therapy represents a significant step forward in our fight against osteoarthritis pain. It’s a testament to our commitment to exploring cutting-edge treatments that offer effective relief with minimal impact on our patients’ daily lives.”
One patient who received the treatment is Kelly Clodfelter, a former railroad worker and gunsmith whose severe hand osteoarthritis forced him into retirement. He described his experience: “It was a long process,” Clodfelter recounts, describing his years of battling increasing pain. “I couldn’t use my hands anymore, and it was devastating to have to give up the work I loved.” After six sessions of the therapy at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital, Clodfelter reported significant improvement: “It’s amazing,” he said. “I’ve talked to a lot of friends with similar conditions, and I’m pushing this, but I also tell them to proceed with caution. For me, there were absolutely no side effects.” He added advice for others considering the procedure: “You have to trust your doctor and have faith in God.”
The hospital explains that this treatment works by targeting inflammatory cells within affected joints and reducing both inflammation and pain. The amount of radiation used is much less than what is administered during cancer treatments; as a result, most patients report few or no side effects.
For more information about this therapy for osteoarthritis at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital, individuals can call 719-557-5525 or visit www.mountain.commonspirit.org.
