LDRT for heel spur with plantar fasciitis: looking at standardized imaging, biology, and clinical follow-up
Official title: Establishment and Evaluation of Standardized Clinical, Biological and Imaging Parameters to Assess the Response of LDRT in Heel Spur With Plantar Fasciitis
Run by University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School · NCT06969820 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether low-dose radiotherapy can relieve pain and improve function and quality of life in people over 39 with plantar fasciitis and heel spur.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 35 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Erlangen, Bavaria) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 31, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06969820 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 39 with a typical, at least 3-month history of plantar fasciitis and a heel spur, suitable for first-time LDRT and able to attend follow-up.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with dorsal calcaneal spur symptoms, prior foot trauma, active infections, or conditions conflicting with radiotherapy may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study uses MRI-based imaging to establish standardized clinical, biological, and imaging parameters for assessing response to low-dose radiotherapy in patients with calcaneal spur and plantar fasciitis. It aims to prospectively confirm retrospective reports of benefit by examining pain, function, and quality of life. Eligible participants have chronic plantar fasciitis without major comorbidities and will receive a first-time low-dose radiotherapy treatment with follow-up to evaluate outcomes. The protocol emphasizes careful documentation of imaging and clinical responses to identify potential predictive markers of benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience reduced pain and better daily function after low-dose radiotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior retrospective reports suggested benefit from radiotherapy in this condition; prospective confirmation is needed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age \> 39 years
* Typical clinical picture of plantar fasciitis for at least 3 months without associated trauma, other musculoskeletal co-morbidities or degenerative joint disease
* Patients with first-time application of LDRT to the affected joint
* Willingness to cooperate and accessibility of patients, especially geographical proximity, for treatment and follow-up
* Patients for whom LDRT is indicated independently of the study
* Karnofsky Index \>70%
Exclusion Criteria:
* Achillodynia ("dorsal" calcaneal spur)
* Previous trauma to the foot (fracture, tendon rupture)
* Musculoskeletal comorbidities of the foot
* Acute infections/open wounds in the area of the tendon to be examined or other relevant damage to the tendon to be examined
* Local steroid injections into the tendon prior to the study
* Rheumatic or vascular diseases, lymphedema
* Patients with tumors
* Individuals of childbearing potential who do not use adequate contraceptive measures consistently during therapy
* Persistent drug, medication or alcohol abuse
* Patients who have already undergone radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer
* Patients with an increased risk of an MRI examination, including the presence of metal implants, pacemakers or claustrophobia
Where it's running
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Department of Radiation Oncology, Translational Radiobiology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Thomas PD. Dr. med. Weissmann, MD
- Email: thomas.weissmann@uk-erlangen.de
- Phone: +49913185
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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PEMF therapy for heel spur pain
This trial tests whether pulsed electromagnetic field therapy helps reduce morning heel pain in adults with a plantar calcaneal spur, compared with a sham treatment while both groups do daily stretching.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.