Radiation therapy relieved hand osteoarthritis

About three years ago, Rod Schmidt, in Wichita, Kansas, was struggling with severe osteoarthritis in his hands. He had experienced symptoms for several years, but the pain and stiffness continued to worsen. His hands ached day and night, making it difficult to grip anything — including a hammer, hedge trimmer or other tools he needed for projects around his home and yard.

His fingers would sometimes lock in place, causing intense pain. In the mornings, he could not make a fist without first rubbing and working his hands. Although he had retired, he enjoyed staying active, and losing the ability to use his hands was frustrating and limiting.

When medication wasn't enough 

He first spoke with his primary care doctor, who referred him to a rheumatologist. A prescription medication called Naproxen helped reduce inflammation and stopped his fingers from locking, but it did not relieve the aching, cramping pain or improve his grip. Surgery was his only other option.

His wife, who works at Via Christi, told him about radiation therapy as a treatment option for osteoarthritis. He had never heard of it before, but he was in so much pain that he was willing to try anything.

“Sign me up,” he said.

How radiation therapy relieved his pain 

Before beginning treatment, he met with a Via Christi Cancer Center radiation oncologist in Wichita, Kansas, who examined his hands, reviewed his medical records and determined that he was a candidate. The doctor explained the radiation treatment process, including that Rod might need one set of treatments or possibly two. Each appointment lasted only a few minutes. A custom mold was also created to help protect his nailbeds and cuticles during treatment.

After the first set of treatments, he began noticing improvement. Within a few weeks, he could almost close his hand into a fist in the morning. By the end of the second set of treatments, he felt like a new man. His pain was gone, and he could make a fist again.

The treatment experience was much easier than he expected. He thought the appointments would take longer, but he was in and out quickly. He did not experience burning, redness or other side effects. Because the treatments were so simple, he even joked that he thought they were not doing anything.

He described the care team as “wonderful, helpful, friendly and kind.” Three years later, he has not needed additional treatment.

“It absolutely changed my life,” he said. “I don’t know where I’d be without radiation therapy. I’d do it again in a minute if I had to. My wife doesn’t have to do things for me anymore—she’s even happier than I am.”

Today, he recommends radiation therapy to other patients and shares his experience with coworkers while volunteering at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, Kansas.

“There were no complaints and no side effects,” he said. “The treatment was over before I knew it. It could not have been any better. They know what they’re doing.”

For more information on radiation therapy treatment, contact the Via Christi Cancer Center at 316-268-5928.