Juliet Cohen

Information on Ledderhose Disease

Ledderhose's disease is the equivalent disease to Dupuytren's disease, which affects the hand and causes bent hand or fingers.

Ledderhoses Disease also called morbus ledderhose, plantar fibromatosis and plantar aponeurosis.  Ledderhoses Disease is a relatively uncommon non-malignant thickening of the feets deep connective tissue, or fascia. The nodules are typically sluggish growing and most frequently found in the central and medial portions of the plantar fascia.  As with Dupuytren's disease the root causes of Ledderhose's disease are not yet understood, though an inclination is probably inherited.

Men usually get the disease at an former age than women. At the age of 80 the probability to suffer from Dupuytren's disease becomes about even for men and women (we have no statistics on Ledderhose's disease), with men typically in a more progressed stage. Plantar fibromatosis is most frequently present on the medial border of the sole, near the highest point of the arch. The lump is usually painless and the only pain experienced is when the nodule rubs on the shoe or floor. The overlying skin is freely movable, and contracture of the toes does not occur in the initial stages.

The typical appearance of plantar fibromatosis on Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a poorly defined, infiltrative mass in the aponeurosis next to the plantar muscles. Only 25% of patients illustrate symptoms on both feet (bilateral involvement). The disease may also permeate the dermis or very rarely the flexor tendon sheath. There are certain identified risk factors. The disease is more commonly associated with family history of the disease, palmer fibromatosis 10-65% of the time, peyronie’s disease and epilepsy patients. Patients of diabetes mellitus major risk factors the disease.

Radiotherapy has been employed successfully on Ledderhose nodules. Post-surgical radiation treatment may diminish recurrence. Cortisone injections, such as Triamcinolone, and clobetasol ointments have been shown to stall the progression of the disease temporarily. Prevention is also better then cures. Wear the proper shoes for each activity and try to avoid standing on concrete for long periods. Do not wear shoes with excessive wear on heels or soles. Don’t underestimate your body's need for rest and good nutrition. Prepare properly before exercising. Warm up and do stretching exercises before and after running.

Article Tags: Plantar Fibromatosis

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