While the knee, hip, shoulder, hand, and foot are the most frequently treated joints with LDRT, other sites have been reported in the European literature.
Ott OJ, Hertel S, Gaipl US, et al. conducted a dose optimization trial for benign painful elbow syndrome with long-term results published in Strahlentherapie und Onkologie 2014;190:293–297. LDRT produced durable pain relief at long-term follow-up in patients with refractory painful elbow syndrome, including elbow OA and epicondylitis.
Per the 2026 ARS AUC: the greatest evidence exists for large joints (knee, hip, shoulder). Smaller joints (hands, feet, ankles) may benefit but evidence is more limited. Studies evaluating specific joints are associated with higher evidence levels than mixed multi-joint series.
See all joints: All Joints Hub | Knee | Hip | Shoulder | Hand | Thumb | Foot & Ankle | Plantar Fasciitis | Spine Related: Hand | Thumb (CMC) | Knee
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Medically reviewed by: Robert Warren Floyd, M.D., Ph.D. — Resident Physician, Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Last reviewed: September 8, 2026. Independent personal project — not affiliated with or endorsed by MD Anderson Cancer Center. Funding & independence disclosure.
This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment decisions.