Struggling With Pain Because Of Ledderhose Disease? Here Are Some Things To Try
Ledderhose disease, a condition in which bumps appear on the soles of your feet, can bother you very little or bother you a considerable amount. In the latter scenario, you may even find that it's painful to walk and stand because of the pressure that your body is putting on the bumps. Seeing your family doctor or a foot care specialist is important so that you can understand more about this disease and discuss potential treatment options, including cortisone injections to relieve the discomfort. If you're looking for things to do before this consultation appointment, here are some things to try.
Change Your Footwear
A big factor in the degree of which you experience discomfort the results from Ledderhose disease is what style of footwear you're using. Shoes or sandals with hard and flat insoles, for example, won't provide you with much cushioning — and, as a result, the weight of your body will push down on the nodules on your feet, causing pain. Buying aftermarket foam insoles is a good idea, but you can even just look for shoes in your closet that are softer to wear. Generally, you'll want to stay away from sandals and dress shoes in favor of wearing athletic shoes.
Adjust Your Gait
In many cases, you'll have nodules on certain parts of your feet, but not necessarily that cover both soles. When you experience discomfort while walking or standing, your first priority should always be to find a place that you can sit down. If doing so isn't possible, consider adjusting your standing posture or walking gait. For example, if the bumps are on your heel, position yourself so that more of your weight is toward the front of your foot. You should still look for a place to rest as soon as possible, but this simple change can quickly alleviate some of the pain.
Re-Evaluate Standing Tasks
For people with Ledderhose disease, it can be difficult to stand for long periods of time. Evaluate how often you stand throughout the day and think about ways that you can change this habit. Sometimes, the solutions are simpler than they might appear. For example, instead of standing at the kitchen counter to prepare a meal, grab a stool and do the work while seated. If you spend a long time standing at the bathroom mirror each morning, sitting on a stool can also be effective for cutting down on your pain.
Contact a group like Dupuytren's Disease Support Group for more information and assistance.