Radiation Therapy for Ledderhose Disease

Ledderhose disease, also known as plantar fibromatosis, is a condition where hard lumps form on the soles of the feet. These hard lumps, called nodules, can be painful and make walking uncomfortable. Treatment options for Ledderhose disease are mostly non-invasive, with surgery rarely becoming necessary. Instead, patients may use methods like stretching, icing, and rest to treat the condition, as well as injections and medications. Ledderhose disease radiation therapy is also a safe, effective, non-invasive treatment option.

The cause of Ledderhose disease is unknown, although it seems to occur mostly in people who have other types of fibromatosis like Dupuytren’s and Peyronie’s. In any case, Ledderhose radiotherapy treatment options are often the same kinds of treatments used for Dupuytren’s, Peyronie’s, and other plantar fibromas.

Low-dose radiotherapy has been shown to be an effective and safe treatment for diseases like Ledderhose. Low doses of radiation are applied directly to the affected area to help stop the growth of nodules and even soften them. This happens because the radiation affects the way fibroblasts, the cells responsible for creating the nodules, grow and develop. In some cases, radiotherapy may even cause nodules to shrink in size.

By softening nodules, reducing their size, and stopping their growth, patients who receive Ledderhose disease radiation therapy experience less pain while walking or doing other activities that require being on their feet. Radiotherapy also has an anti-inflammatory effect and can reduce the sensitivity of pain receptors, which also helps to reduce pain.

Ledderhose radiotherapy treatment options involve external radiation which typically involves 6-10 treatments spread out over a few weeks. Dr. Juno Choe with the Northwest Cancer Clinic has over 15 years of experience in radiation oncology and works with patients to determine the best way to treat their plantar fibromas. Our clinic works to stay at the forefront of technology in radiation treatments, so with the combination of Dr. Choe’s experience and the latest advances in technology, patients can rest easy knowing the radiation will be directed to the affected area with little to no effect on the surrounding areas.

Radiotherapy for benign conditions like Ledderhose or other plantar fibromas is almost entirely free of side effects, which is why it’s considered such a safe treatment option. Possible side effects include redness or skin dryness at the area of treatment and fatigue, but these effects are generally short-lived. Patients can typically resume normal activity immediately after receiving treatment, which is another reason Ledderhose disease radiation therapy is considered to be one of the best treatment options.

Ledderhose radiotherapy treatment options are effective in softening existing lumps in the feet and stopping the growth of additional nodules. For patients who wish to avoid surgery, or medications or injections that come with different side effects, radiotherapy is also a safe, non-invasive option.

Nearly 80% of patients who receive Ledderhose disease radiation therapy see improvement in their condition in just a few years, allowing them to experience life with less pain and improved functionality. There’s no need to live with daily pain—Dr. Choe and the caring staff at Northwest Cancer Clinic are here to help.