Ledderhose Disease is also known as plantar fibromatosis and Dupuytren’s of the foot. It is characterized by a thickening of the connective tissue that runs along the bottom on the foot and forms tough bands or nodules. These nodules can start off as small lumps in the arch of the foot. As they grow bigger they can cause some pain and tenderness–especially in people who are active.
Treatments of Ledderhose will depend on the severity of the case. Since the fibromas are benign, treatments are primarily used to manage symptoms. Surgery is sometimes necessary, but also carries a high recurrence rate. Radiation therapy is actually the best and most effective treatment for Ledderhose. The ease of treatment may even blow your mind!
At Heelex we target the nodules with superficial radiation which softens and reduces the size of the lumps and cords. We also stop the growing process of those nodules to prevent the formation of future contractures.
Treatments with Heelex can vary, typically we treat in two rounds. Five to six treatment days for round one, then we have patients take about a two month break followed by the second round of five-six treatments. The nodules will get a higher dose of photons compared to other treatments. With this dosage some patients notice a light sunburn in the area or some skin dryness. These side effects are usually very mild and always go away after a few weeks.
After treatments at Heelex, we want to wait upwards of ninety days to follow up with patients. This gives the nodules and cords plenty of time to respond and decrease in size.