- Patients
- Benign disease services
- Plantar fasciitis
What is plantar fasciitis?
Chapter 01
What is plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that stretches along the underside of the foot, under the skin, from your heel to the middle of the foot.1
This ligament normally acts as shock-absorber and supports the arch of your foot, but when it becomes overloaded or over-used, the plantar fascia can start to degenerate. This results in pain in the heel, known as plantar fasciitis.1
In the early stages of plantar fasciitis, many people describe the pain on the bottom of their heal as a ‘bruise-like’ feeling. It will often worsen first thing in the morning, and after long periods of walking, standing, or on sudden movement.2,3
Make an enquiry
To find out more about radiation therapy for Plantar fasciitis at GenesisCare, enquire today!
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Chapter 02
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a very common repetitive strain condition affecting around 10% of the population at some point in their lives, more commonly women. For most people, the pain is mild and improves with general measures such as rest, stretching, and changing footwear. However, in about 20% of people who suffer from the condition, the heel pain can persist.1,2
Risk factors include:1,2
- Standing for very long periods
- Increased body mass index
- Excessive running
- Leg length discrepancy
- High foot arches
- Reduced ankle flexion
- Sedentary lifestyle
Treatments
Chapter 03
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Seeking quick and effective treatment for plantar fasciitis is essential. Ignoring your symptoms may result in ongoing heel pain that will get in the way of your daily routine. Additionally, changes in the way you walk, due to the pain can lead to foot, knee, hip, or back complications.
Many patients with plantar fasciitis can be successfully treated with non-surgical methods (~90%).2
Management and treatment of plantar fasciitis depends on the severity of your condition. Your GP and specialist will discuss the best options with you.
Treatment options include:1-3
- Physiotherapy – stretching, counter strain techniques
- Over the counter anti-inflammatories
- Steroid injections
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
- Ultrasound
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery (not often required for plantar fasciitis)

Radiation therapy treatment
Chapter 04
Radiation therapy for plantar fasciitis
Radiation therapy can improve the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.4 In general, radiation therapy is only offered to people who are still experiencing pain and discomfort after a minimum of three months of general treatment measures (stretching, changing footwear).
During your treatment, radiation is aimed towards the area of pain in your heel. Radiation therapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces inflammation around the area.
A technique called electron beam radiation therapy is used for plantar fasciitis. Delivered by a machine called a linear accelerator (LINAC), it’s very similar to a regular X-ray.
Radiation treatments can be delivered in up to 5 sessions, with each session taking around 10 minutes. There may be some mild redness of the skin immediately following treatment, and some developing dryness as treatments progress, but these symptoms usually disappear over 2-3 weeks.
Make an enquiry
To find out more about radiation therapy for Plantar fasciitis at GenesisCare, enquire today!

References
1. Trojian T and Tucker A. Am Fam Phys 2019; 99(12): 744-750.
2. Thompson J, et al. J Osteo Med 2014; 114(12): 900-906.
3. Schwartz E. Perm J 2014; 18(1): e105-e107.
4. Canyilmaz E, et al. Int J Rad Oncol 2015; 92(3): P659-666.
Disclaimer:
Care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information on this webpage at the date of its publication, however, the information does not take the place of professional or medical advice. Please consult your doctor or treating clinician to determine whether any form of medical treatment or health service is appropriate for you.
Any procedure including treatments involving radiation carry risks, including skin irritation and associated pain. Before proceeding with a referral for treatment, patients should be advised to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. As in any medical procedure, patient experiences and outcomes will vary.
Find a centre near you
Read next

Condition
Dupuytren’s disease
Dupuytren’s disease is a benign condition that causes excessive scar tissue within the fibrous fascia beneath the skin of the palm of the hand.

Condition
Keloid scars
A keloid scar is a benign, overgrown lump that can sometimes develop when a wound heals, or even after minor skin damage such as acne or ear piercing.

Condition
Ledderhose disease
The main cause of Ledderhose disease remains uncertain. However, there are several risk factors associated with developing this disease.