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.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Radiotherapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses low doses of radiation (like X-rays) to reduce the pain and the size of the nodules. It can help improve mobility and make daily activities more comfortable.
Yes. Ledderhose radiotherapy uses a low dose of radiation (about 30 Gray (Gy) total, compared to 60Gy for cancer treatment) which means the risk of side effects is very small. It has been safely used locally and internationally for decades.
While both use the same technology, Ledderhose radiotherapy uses a lower dose of radiation. Cancer treatments aim to destroy cancer cells, whereas Ledderhose radiotherapy targets the fibroblast cells that form the nodules that cause the pain. This reduces the pain and the size of the nodules. The low dose of radiation means the risk of side effects is very low.
Ledderhose radiotherapy is delivered as a quick, outpatient treatment. You’ll lie on a treatment bed while a machine delivers radiation precisely to the affected area. The procedure is painless, does not require anaesthetic, and typically takes only a few minutes. Most people can return to their normal activities immediately after each session.
Side effects are minor because of the low radiation dose used. Some patients may notice mild skin changes such as redness, soreness and dryness, but these effects tend to resolve after a few weeks, although some people have dryness on the sole of the foot that can last for longer. Your clinician will discuss any potential risks with you during your consultation.

Why choose Icon?

At Icon, we’re committed to delivering the highest quality care, close to home. We combine advanced radiation technology with a team of experienced clinicians who specialise in treatments like LDRT.

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