K. Karimi1, D. Jazmati2, E. Boelke3, W. Budach3, J. Haussmann3, B. Tamaskovic4, and C. Matuschek3; 1Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany, 2Medical Faculty Heinrich Heine University, Dusseldorf, Germany, 3Department of Radiation Oncoloy, Heinrich Heine University, Dusseldorf, Germany, 4Department of Radiation Oncology, Düsseldorf University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
Purpose/Objective(s): Heel spurs, a common cause of foot pain, pose a challenge in orthopedic management. Traditional treatments often involve physical therapy, orthotics, and medications, with varying degrees of success. This study explores low-dose radiotherapy as a potential treatment option, hypothesizing its efficacy and safety in alleviating heel spur symptoms. Materials/
Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed 100 patients (27 men and 73 women) with an average age of 70.7 years (range: 37-101 years) who underwent low-dose radiotherapy for heel spurs, receiving a total dose of 3 Gy. Parameters assessed included pain levels, mobility, activity limitations, NSAID usage, and skin changes over a 20-year follow-up period. Results: More than 70% of patients reported significant symptom improvement post-treatment. There was minimal reliance on NSAIDs, and no skin changes or tumor induction were observed within the treatment area. Notably, no significant radiogenic side effects were reported, highlighting the treatments safety profile. While some patients experienced slight impairments in mobility and daily activities, most maintained a normal gait. Conclusion: Low-dose radiotherapy represents a safe and effective treatment modality for heel spurs, evidenced by high success rates and the absence of adverse effects. These findings suggest that low-dose radiotherapy could be a promising addition to orthopedic practice, emphasizing the need for further research on long-term outcomes and the development of optimized treatment protocols.
