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Ledderhose' s Disease
Medical Questions » Ledderhose' s Disease
Name: Ledderhose' s Disease |
Also known as: |
A fibrous sheet (the plantar fascia) stretches under the skin of the sole to give it a smooth appearance, strength and firmness, and to protect and control the movement of the muscle tendons that cross under it to the toes. If damaged, the plantar fascia may become scarred, contract and thicken into hard lumps that can be felt under the skin. As the damage progresses, the contraction of the fibrous sheet pulls on the tendons that run underneath it to prevent their free movement. Men are affected more than women. Similar condition to Dupuytren' s contracture of the hand. |
Causes of Ledderhose' s Disease Unknown, but may be due to a poor blood supply to the foot (eg. diabetes), and injury to the foot from repeated blows (eg. running). |
Symptoms of Ledderhose' s Disease One or more hard, fixed nodules under the skin of the sole that gradually extend lengthwise along the sole to cause discomfort, pain with walking and loss of toe mobility. Eventually the toes cannot be fully extended, and contract into a claw-like appearance. The middle toes are usually more severely affected than the others. |
Tests for Ledderhose' s Disease None necessary. |
Treatment for Ledderhose' s Disease Soft shoes insoles, injection of steroids around the nodule, and in severe cases only the nodule may be surgically excised.
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Complications of Ledderhose' s Disease of its treatment Recurrence after surgery common. |
Likely Outcome of Ledderhose' s Disease Usually persistent. |
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