Plantar fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue along the sole of the foot from heel to toes. It causes heel pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking after rest.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis

Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) offers a gentle, non-surgical treatment when stretching, orthotics, or medication have not provided relief.

Unlike high-dose radiation used for cancer, LDRT uses a much smaller, highly targeted dose—around 3 Gray (Gy)—delivered over six short sessions. It's painless, non-invasive, and typically free of significant side effects.

How LDRT works

LDRT can:

Reduce inflammation in the plantar fascia
Ease heel pain and tenderness
Improve mobility and walking comfort

Who might benefit

LDRT may be considered for people who:

Have chronic heel pain unrelieved by stretching, orthotics, or medication
Are not suitable for, or prefer to avoid, surgery
Seek a low-risk alternative to long-term pain medication

What to expect

Consultation and assessment – Your specialist will review symptoms, imaging, and medical history.
Personalised plan – A treatment plan is tailored to target the affected tendon.
Treatment sessions – Each session is quick, painless, and requires no anaesthetic.
Follow-up care – We review your progress and provide additional support as needed.
Most people can continue normal activities after each visit.

Side effects

Because the radiation dose is extremely low, side effects are rare and mild. Possible temporary effects include slight skin warmth, redness, or brief fatigue. These usually settle quickly.

We're here for you

Have questions about accessing cancer treatment or becoming a patient? We're here to help. From understanding your diagnosis to exploring your care options, our team will guide you every step of the way.

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For patients

If you’d like to know whether LDRT might be right for you, our team is here to help. We can explain what to expect, answer your questions, and guide you on the next steps. Contact our centre to speak with one of our care team members.

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For referrers

Referrals can be made directly to our doctors or through major referral platforms.

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Frequently asked questions

LDRT is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses very low doses of radiation to reduce inflammation and ease pain. It can help improve mobility and make daily activities more comfortable. LDRT is intended to complement existing treatments, such as physiotherapy, exercise programs, or medication, rather than replace them.
Yes. LDRT uses a very small dose of radiation (about 3 Gray (Gy) total, compared to 60Gy for cancer treatment) which means the risk of side effects is minimal. It has been safely used internationally for more than a decade.
While both use the same technology, LDRT uses a much lower dose of radiation. Cancer treatments aim to destroy cancer cells, whereas LDRT targets inflammation in the tendon, helping reduce pain and stiffness. The ultra-low dose used in LDRT means the risk of side effects is very low.
LDRT is delivered as a quick, outpatient treatment. You’ll lie on a treatment bed while a machine delivers radiation precisely to the affected area. The procedure is painless, does not require anaesthetic, and typically takes only a few minutes. Most people can return to their normal activities immediately after each session.
Side effects are rare and minimal because of the very low radiation dose used. Some patients may notice mild skin changes, but these effects are uncommon and usually short-lived. Your clinician will discuss any potential risks with you during your consultation.

References

1. Better Health Channel. (2023). Heel pain – plantar fasciitis. State Government of Victoria. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/foot-problems-heel-pain#plantar-fasciitis
2. NHS Inform. (2024). Plantar fasciitis. NHS Scotland. Retrieved from https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/foot-problems/plantar-fasciitis
3. Micke, O., et al. (2025). Low-dose radiotherapy for painful musculoskeletal disorders: Updated evidence and clinical guidance. Clinical & Translational Radiation Oncology, Springer.
4. Trott, K.R. (2024). Radiation therapy for benign diseases: Evidence and experience in Europe. Advances in Oncology.