Ledderhose Disease, also known as Plantar Fibromatosis or Morbus Ledderhose is a disease in which painful hard nodules form on the bottom of the foot.

The cause of this disease is not known but there are a number of known characteristics The nodules can start as small pea size nodules but gradually increase in size to marble-shaped or larger lesions. The lesions are benign. The term “fibroma” refers to a growth consisting of fibrous or scar tissue. Patients can have multiple lesions. The fibromas can occur on one or both feet. There are similarities to another disease process in the hand known as Dupuytrens Contacture.* The nodules appear to be composed of fibrous tissue or aggressive scar tissue. The lesions, when surgically removed, have a high recurrence rate. The incidence of Ledderhose Disease compared to Dupuytrens is relatively low so there is a paucity of research and literature on the subject.

We pride ourselves in offering the highest level of expertise, allowing patients to benefit from the latest diagnostic tools, the newest treatments, and the most effective and successful treatments available.

As a provider of the latest most effective treatments, we at NES are one of the few clinics in the Pacific Northwest that offers this treatment option.The physicians at NES utilize an injectable enzyme (hyaluronidase) mixed with a local anesthetic and a cortisone medication to effectively reduce the size of fibromas and the pain associated with plantar fibromatosis.

  • Enzymatic treatment: Enzymes used to reduce fibrosis or scar tissue: Enzymes are biological catalysts, that is, natural substances used by the body to facilitate or speed certain chemical reactions in the body. Enzymes are highly specific in that each specific enzyme accelerates a specific process in the body.
  • Topical Medications: Verapamil has been utilized in a topical medication, off-label, for the treatment of fibrotic disorders such as Peyronies disease and plantar fibromatosis.
  • Foot Orthotics: Foot orthotics are an effective modality for the treatment of a broad range of foot pathology. The term “orthotic” is often used loosely to describe simple over-the-counter arch supports to complex prescription devices used to alter gait and posture and modify foot function.
  • Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: This involves the use of sonic shockwaves to induce tissue repair.
  • Surgical Treatment Options: Excision, generally involves an incision or incision on the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot. Plantar incisions require a period of the non-weight bearing from 2 to 3 weeks to prevent the incisions from gapping. Incisions on weight-bearing surfaces can heal with considerable thickness and cause discomfort.

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Every patient is different, and we pride ourselves on providing effective, compassionate, and efficient care, with a wide range of traditional and advanced treatment options at every stage. Effective medicine must always begin with careful attention to your desires, concerns, and questions.

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