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Ledderhose disease is a rare type of fibromatosis that affects the feet, causing thickening of the band on the soles. Surgery is only necessary if it affects walking. It is more common in men and often occurs with Dupuytren’s disease.
Ledderhose disease is a type of fibromatosis that affects the feet. People with this disease often experience thickening of the band on the soles of their feet. This is usually not painful in the early stages of the disease but can become painful as the disease progresses. Surgery is usually not needed, unless the disease is causing problems walking.
This disease is relatively rare and only a very small percentage of the population suffers from it. Men generally have a higher chance of developing this disease. It was first described in the late 19th century by a German surgeon named Georg Ledderhose.
The plantar fascia is the connective tissue that helps form the arch of the foot. It works from the heel bone to the toes. Ledderhose disease affects this area of the foot and is sometimes called plantar fascial fibromatosis.
People with Ledderhose disease will often notice small masses of abnormal tissue growing in this area. These masses, known as nodules, are benign, meaning they aren’t cancerous. They typically grow slowly, and only about a quarter of patients with this disease will find these lumps on both feet.
When the tissue begins to thicken, patients with Ledderhose disease usually don’t feel much pain. However, they may feel some discomfort when the nodules are bumped to the floor or a shoe. Eventually, the nodules can become very large and sometimes begin to cause pain and, in some cases, the toes curl uncontrollably.
During the early stages of Ledderhose disease, doctors usually advise patients to be careful with nodules on their feet. Special soles that provide extra cushioning are often all that is needed. Surgery is usually not needed at this point.
However, surgery may be required as the disease progresses. It is usually only attempted if the disease affects the patient’s ability to walk. It can sometimes be a difficult and risky surgery, as there are numerous tendons and nerves in this area.
Ledderhose disease sometimes occurs in patients with another disease known as morbus dupuytren or Dupuytren’s disease. Although they are two similar diseases, Dupuytren’s disease affects the palms and fingers. Patients with this disease sometimes find it difficult to fully extend or straighten some of the fingers. This is caused by the thickening of the subcutaneous tissue on the palm of the hand, which causes the tendons to contract.
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