Ledderhose disease

What is Ledderhose disease?

Ledderhose disease, also known as plantar fibromatosis, is a rare, benign condition where painful nodules or lumps form in the thick band of tissue on the sole of the foot (the plantar fascia). These nodules can cause pain and discomfort, especially when standing or walking.

Common symptoms of Ledderhose disease

Although Ledderhose disease is benign, it can cause symptoms that gradually worsen over time, especially if the nodules grow or become painful.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Firm lumps in the inner or middle section of the arch of the foot

• Pain when walking or standing

• A feeling of tightness in the foot or changes to the way you walk

• Trouble finding comfortable footwear

• Difficulty participating in sport, exercise, or daily activities

Causes of Ledderhose disease

Ledderhose disease develops when certain cells in the foot, called fibroblasts, become overactive within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. This overactivity leads to:

• Too many fibroblasts being produced

• A build-up of collagen (the main structural protein in tissue)

• Local thickening and the formation of firm nodules

You may be more likely to develop Ledderhose disease if you are male, middle-aged, or have a family history of the condition. It is also more common in people who have Dupuytren’s disease (in the hands) or Peyronie’s disease (in the penis), or who place ongoing mechanical stress on their feet. The condition can affect one or both feet.

How can radiotherapy help?

Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for Ledderhose disease, also known as plantar fibromatosis. The treatment works by targeting the proliferating fibroblasts that cause the benign thickening and nodules in the foot's connective tissue.

Radiotherapy helps by:

• Reducing the size of the nodules

• Reducing pain or tenderness in the nodules

• Stopping the nodules growing further

Who can benefit?

Radiotherapy may be suitable for people who:

• Have painful nodules on the sole of their foot

• Have noticed growth in the nodules

• Seek a non-invasive option

Your oncologist will review your symptoms and examine your feet to assess your eligibility for radiotherapy treatment.

What to expect

• Consultation and assessment – Your clinician will review your symptoms, medical history and examine your feet

• Personalised plan – A tailored radiotherapy plan targets affected tissue while protecting healthy skin

• Treatment sessions – Each session lasts only a few minutes, is painless, and requires no anaesthetic

Side effects

Side effects are mild due to the low radiation dose. Some people may experience redness, soreness and dryness in the treated area. These effects usually resolve after a few weeks but some people may have ongoing dryness in the long term.