What's the Difference Between Plantar Fasciitis and Ledderhose Disease?

Plantar fasciitis and Ledderhose disease are conditions that affect the feet. Both are a major source of pain and discomfort, but they each have different symptoms and treatments. If you have been diagnosed with one or both of these issues in New York City, it's important to meet a board-certified podiatric surgeon, like Dr. Suzanne Levine, so you can know how to best address them.

Foot pain can interrupt your life and make it impossible to wear your favorite going-out heels. The good news is that plantar fasciitis and Ledderhose disease are relatively benign when caught early. Read on for information about how to identify the symptoms associated with each condition, or call Millennium Podiatry for a foot assessment.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an issue that mainly affects the heel and bottom of your foot. It's caused by the inflammation of a thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia. Heel pain is common among people who participate in activities like long-distance running and aerobic dance. Patients who are obese or have naturally flat feet or high arches are more likely to damage the plantar fascia.

Surprisingly, the symptoms of plantar fasciitis often appear after exercise, not during. Symptoms are often noticed first thing in the morning or after a short period of rest. Inflammation and heel pain can make the first steps of your day very uncomfortable. It can get better as you move about, but be careful when getting out of bed or off the couch.

What about Ledderhose disease?

Ledderhose disease also affects the tissue on the bottom of your foot. However, it causes the connective tissues to build up and create hard lumps on the feet. While the growths aren’t cancerous, they can cause pain when walking. If left untreated, these lumps can make it difficult to perform even simple activities.

The exact cause of Ledderhose disease is not known, but there are some factors that may contribute to your foot pain. These include chronic liver disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. Repeated injuries to the foot can also cause benign growths to develop.

What if they're left untreated?

Patients who have either plantar fasciitis or Ledderhose disease in New York may have foot pain that can only get worse over time. When over-the-counter solutions, compresses, and pain medications fail to address the root of your condition, it's time to seek out professional care from a trusted New York City podiatrist.

How do you diagnose my foot condition?

Fortunately, the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and Ledderhose disease can be treated with the right care. An expert like Dr. Levine can quickly diagnose your heel pain and provide a custom plan to get you back on your feet. This includes a physical exam as well as a comprehensive medical history. We identify any pre-existing conditions or lifestyle issues that may be contributing to your pain. The earlier you seek treatment for foot conditions, the easier it will be to help you find relief.

Quickly and safely address foot pain

We hope this guide has helped you understand the difference between plantar fasciitis and Ledderhose disease. If you’re still uncertain about what’s causing your discomfort in New York City, reach out to board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Suzanne Levine for a consultation. The professionals at Millennium Podiatry are experts in a wide range of foot conditions.