Ledderhose Disease

About Ledderhose Disease

Ledderhose disease (plantar fibromatosis) affects the plantar fascia, the thick layer of tissue (ligament) that protects and supports the bottom of your foot. If you have Ledderhose disease, small, hard nodules develop slowly on the bottom of your feet. These nodules look like bumps, knots, or growths on the surface of your skin. The bumps may grow to be 1 to 2 centimeters in size.

Affecting How You Walk

Ledderhose disease may cause discomfort. Your feet may become swollen while the growths on your feet may be painful, affecting your ability to walk.

Treating Ledderhose Disease

Orthotics: Custom orthotics provide relief. You can try cutting holes into your shoe inserts around the growths on your foot to prevent direct pressure. Offloading felt pads can also be applied to your inserts to accomplish this same goal. Treating Ledderhose Disease with Extracorporeal ShockWave Therapy (ESWT) can decrease pain and soften the growths and tissue in your feet.