Retrospective evaluation of the effectiveness of radiotherapy in patients with plantar fascitis (heel spurs)

Abstract

Aim

The aim of the study was the evaluation of the effectiveness of radiotherapy in patients with the feet pain caused by heel spurs.

Background

Treatment options for patients reporting these symptoms include use of suitable orthopedic footwear, the use of general or topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids, physiotherapy, manual therapy, shock wave or appropriate surgical procedures. Radiotherapy is one of the method used in patients with chronic pain syndrome.

Materials and methods

The material consisted of 47 patients treated in Radiotherapy Department at the Holycross Cancer Center. The time of follow-up ranged from 1 to 129 months. After treatment patients were observed.

Results

During the first follow-up visit a complete relief of symptoms was observed in 37 patients, and the pain was felt by 10 patients for 4 months after the treatment. One patient was re-irradiated 6 months after treatment because of persistent pain. At 16 and 17 months after the onset of treatment, pain was reported by two patients. These patients were re-irradiated. One patient had recurrence of pain 48 months after completion of radiation. After the second irradiation the pain was relieved. The remaining patients, with the exception of two, experienced remission of pain, which has been documented. Tolerance of the treatment was very good. No complications of radiation were observed.

Conclusions

Radiotherapy remains an attractive treatment for patients with inflammation of the heel fascia.