Between 8 to 10 percent of the population has severe heel spurs, and common treatments include icing, heat, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Most injections, like steroids and local anesthetics, only provide short-term relief for the patient.
The new study demonstrated that 80% of standard cases experienced complete pain relief with radiation therapy, with 64% having marked or constant pain relief during the 48 weeks following treatment.
Radiation therapy has been used for 60 years because of its anti-inflammatory effects, but the mechanism of action is unknown. Marcus Niewald, MD, PhD, a radiation oncologist at Saarland University Medical Center in Homburg/Saar, Germany came up with a randomized trial to compare the effect of standard dose radiation therapy with low dose radiation therapy among patients with plantar fasciitis.
There were 66 participants in the study and they were evaluated every six weeks until the 12 month clinical trial was over. Four patients were secondarily excluded once the trial began, 29 patients received the standard regimen, and 33 patients received the low dose regimen.
"After treatment of these 62 patients the difference between the effects of radiation therapy in the two arms became very clear in the clinical impressions, this urged us to perform an interim analysis, and finally, led to the decision to prematurely close the trial," wrote Niewald.
Five of the 29 patients in the standard dose group were retreated and had improved results. Researchers did not note acute side effects or long-term toxicity.
Limitations to the study included the facts that there was no placebo group, patients nor physicians were not blind to the dose group, and statistical power may be limited to the early closure of the trial. "Radiation therapy yields important pain relief in patients with painful heel spur (plantar fasciitis) compared with very low doses, and this could be proven at a high level of evidence for the first time," wrote Niewald.
If you are experiencing heel pain, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
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I have had Plantar fasciitis before and I must say it is really annoying because of its tendency to last longer and recur. Now, though, I'm glad to know there could be a new solution to help heal the stubborn heal pain. Thanks for the info.
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