Arthritis affects about one in five Americans, and for patients who no longer get relief from traditional treatments, a new option is now available at select CHI Health hospitals in Nebraska. Low-dose radiation therapy is being used to treat osteoarthritis, including arthritis in the hands, knees, hips and other joints.
Charlotte Zieg says she dealt with worsening joint pain for 15 to 20 years after a 30-year career with the U.S. Postal Service. “I would sit there, anywhere I was at, and I would sit there rub my hands, rub my hands, rub my knees, just because they hurt so bad.”
Steroid injections, fluid drainage and medications eventually stopped providing relief. Her doctor referred her to Dr. Joseph Chiu, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at CHI Health St. Elizabeth…