Heel spurs (calcium deposits at the level of the heel) and plantar fasciitis can turn every step into a painful challenge. Although the first line of treatment usually includes physical therapy, orthopedic insoles or anti-inflammatory medication, there are situations in which the pain becomes chronic and resistant to these conventional measures.

In such cases, low-dose radiotherapy becomes an extremely effective therapeutic method, used for decades in European medical centers because of its remarkable anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

What is anti-inflammatory radiotherapy?

It is important to understand that although we use the same linear accelerator as in oncologic treatments, the protocol is completely different. The dose of radiation administered is approximately 50 to 100 times lower than the one used to treat a tumor.

At this minimal level, radiation does not destroy tissue, but acts on inflammatory cells and local nerve endings, “switching off” the source of pain in the heel. It is a non-invasive procedure that does not require anesthesia or hospitalization.

How is the treatment carried out?

Unlike long radiotherapy courses, the protocol for heel spurs is short and simplified:

Ultra-fast sessions: The actual exposure lasts only a few tens of seconds.
Reduced frequency: Usually, a small number of sessions are performed (around 6), spread over two weeks.
Total comfort: The patient lies down or remains seated, and the procedure is completely painless – there is no sensation of heat or discomfort during irradiation.

What results should you expect?

Radiotherapy does not “melt away” the bony spur itself (it will remain visible on the X-ray), but it eliminates the inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues, which is the true cause of the pain.

The effect is not always immediate. Although some patients feel rapid improvement, the maximum benefit develops progressively within the first 4 to 12 weeks after the protocol is completed. Clinical studies show that more than 70–80% of patients report a significant reduction in pain or even complete disappearance of pain in the long term.

My goal is to restore mobility. Anti-inflammatory radiotherapy is the bridge between the failure of conventional treatments and avoiding invasive surgery.

When is this procedure recommended?

Radiotherapy becomes a valid option in the following situations:

The pain persists for more than 6 months despite rest and physiotherapy;
Long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs is contraindicated or ineffective;
Heel pain severely limits daily activities or work capacity;
The patient wishes to avoid painful injections or surgery.

An integrated approach

For optimal results, radiotherapy should be viewed as part of a recovery plan. We still recommend wearing appropriate footwear and performing stretching exercises for the plantar fascia. This combination helps not only eliminate current pain, but also prevent the recurrence of inflammation in the future.