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Low-Dose Radiotherapy for Benign Achillodynia: A Single Center Experience With Prospective Follow-Up.
Hongjian Tang1, Olaf Büttner2, Daniel R Zwahlen1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Cantonal Hospital Winterthur, Winterthur, CHE.
Cureus
|July 16, 2026
Summary
Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) effectively treated refractory Achilles tendinopathy, offering significant pain relief without toxicity. This approach shows promise for patients unresponsive to conservative treatments.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Achilles tendinopathy, or achillodynia, is a common cause of heel pain.
- Refractory cases often fail to respond to conservative treatments.
- Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) is being explored as an alternative treatment option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LDRT for refractory achillodynia.
- To determine if pain response varies with pain duration or radiotherapy schedules.
- To assess patient-reported outcomes and toxicity after LDRT.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 71 patients with refractory achillodynia treated between 2020 and 2026 was retrospectively analyzed.
- Pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) before and after LDRT.
- Patients received LDRT using common dose and fractionation schedules, primarily 6 × 1 Gy.
Main Results:
- 79% of treated feet showed a positive pain response at a median 3-month follow-up.
- Median pain reduction on the VAS was 4 points.
- No increased pain or treatment-related toxicity was reported; response was consistent across different pain durations and fractionation schedules.
Conclusions:
- LDRT is a safe and effective treatment for refractory achillodynia, providing significant pain relief.
- It offers a viable option for patients who have failed or cannot tolerate conservative therapies.
- The findings support LDRT as a valuable tool in managing chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
