Patient with Ledderhose Nodules in Both Feet Walks Pain-Free and Dances Again After Radiotherapy

Valerie had Ledderhose disease in both feet. Before treatment, she could barely walk any distance, could not cycle, and was kept awake at night by burning, itching and throbbing. Her local foot specialist told her nothing more could be done.

Three months after completing radiotherapy with Dr Richard Shaffer, the nodules had shrunk and flattened, there had been no further disease progression, and Valerie had danced at a wedding for the first time in years.

How were your feet before treatment?
Before treatment, I was struggling to walk any distance and could hardly cycle (in my early 20s, I did the London to Brighton bike ride).
I live in a beautiful county with lots of lovely walks, which I could not do.

Both my feet kept me awake at night, itching, throbbing, and burning, and I was off balance when first standing in the mornings. I cried when my foot specialist at my local clinic said there was nothing else he could do for me.

Are you able to do more or less with your feet since the radiotherapy? I can go for walks without worrying that my feet will hurt and that I will suffer for days after. Has the disease got better or worse since the end of radiotherapy? As far as I can tell there has been no progression in my feet and the nodules appear to have shrunk and I am really pleased to be pain free. Have the nodules (lumps) got better or worse? They definitely appear smaller and flatter in my feet
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About Dr Richard Shaffer

Specialist radiotherapy for Dupuytren's and Ledderhose Disease, delivered with care

Dr Shaffer has treated more than 3,000 patients across a national network of 15 treatment centres. His practice is grounded in Phase III clinical trial data and referenced against Royal College of Radiologists guidelines. Dupuytrens UK holds a 4.9/5 rating on Top Doctors, independently verified across more than 14 years of clinical practice.

I don’t even think about pain when I’m walking where as it was constant before. Love my feet again and danced at a wedding last week for the first time in years. Not in heels though.

Overall, were you happy with the treatment?
Yes, very.

What were you particularly happy with?

It is quick and easy, and the end result is pain-free.

Was there anything that could have been improved?
Nothing, a very easy process

Want to learn more about Dupuytren's disease?

These articles are written by Dr Shaffer and explain what happens if you leave Dupuytren's untreated, who is most at risk, and what radiotherapy actually involves.

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