The role of Radiotherapy in relieving pain caused by calcaneal spur

Abstract

The pain caused by the calcaneal spur and the decreased quality of life are the hallmark features of this condition. Radiotherapy has been the subject of increasing evolution in recent decades for pain relief in both benign and malignant pathologies. The aim is to evaluate the efficacy in pain relief and the toxicity associated with the treatment. A retrospective review of a group of patients with painful complaints due to calcaneal spur who underwent Radiotherapy. Between 2012 and 2023, twelve patients, seven men, and five women, with a median age of 61 years (40-82) underwent palliative radiotherapy for calcaneal spur. Five patients had calcaneal spur on the right, five on the left, and two with bilateral spurs. All had complaints of pain in the calcaneus. One patient had undergone previous surgery and one radiofrequency and corticosteroid infiltration without resolution of the painful condition. The treatment regimens varied, with the majority (n=7) receiving 15Gy in 3 fractions of 5Gy on alternate days. 100% of the patients reported complete pain relief after treatment. One patient required re-irradiation after 4 months, with a complete response in pain control. No patient experienced toxicity related to radiotherapy. Radiotherapy plays an important role in pain control for this pathological condition, as demonstrated in this analysis. Classical studies have shown that a minimum total dose of 5Gy would be necessary for better pain control. There is a need to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the important role of radiotherapy in pain management in this pathology.