Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. They may vary depending on the joint affected, but commonly include:²

• Joint pain, especially during or after movement
• Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after inactivity
• Swelling around the joint
• Reduced flexibility or difficulty moving the joint through its full range
• A grating or cracking sensation during movement (called crepitus)
• Tenderness when pressing on or around the joint
• Bone spurs, which may feel like hard lumps around the joint

These include:^{3, 4, 5}

• Aging: Cartilage naturally breaks down with age
• Joint injury: A previous injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear, can increase the risk of osteoarthritis
• Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis may increase the likelihood of developing the condition
• Obesity: Extra body weight puts added pressure on joints, especially the knees, hips, and lower back
• Overuse: Repetitive movements or physical strain—common in some jobs or sports—can wear down joints over time
• Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis

Our understanding of osteoarthritis has changed — it's no longer viewed as simply 'wear and tear'. Research now highlights the role of inflammation and the immune system in joint changes, including the breakdown of cartilage. Activated immune cells within our joints release pro-inflammatory factors that drive cartilage breakdown. 

LDRT has shown promise in calming the immune response in the affected joint/s.^7,-10

• It reduces inflammation, which may ease pain and swelling
• It may slow the breakdown of cartilage by lowering the activity of certain immune cells
• Over time, this may help improve joint function and delay the need for medication, physical therapy and more invasive treatments, such as surgery

Before your treatment begins, you will have an initial consultation with a radiation oncologist. During this appointment, the doctor will:

• Review your medical history
• Discuss your general health
• Explain your treatment options
• Talk through the treatment process
• Outline any potential side effects of radiation therapy^{11, 12}

At the end of your appointment, a simulation scan will be arranged. This will help your treatment team plan your therapy and ensure it targets the correct area with precision.

Once the scan is complete it may take some time for your radiation therapy planning team to design your treatment. 

When treatment begins you will come in for appointments, usually once a day from Monday to Friday. Each session takes around 15 minutes, although the exact number and length of treatments will be confirmed by your radiation oncologist.

During each visit, radiation therapists will position your body, so it matches the setup used in the simulation scan. This ensures that the radiation is delivered safely and accurately to the treatment area.^{11, 12}

Like any medical treatment, radiation therapy can be associated with side effects.^{11, 12} Your radiation oncologist will discuss potential side effects you may experience prior to commencing treatment.

If you have any questions or concerns about side effects, please talk to a member of your care team.