Sesamoiditis is an overuse injury causing inflammation of the small sesamoid bones under the base of the big toe. The sesamoid bones protect the tendon in the flexor hallucis longus muscle, increase the strength of this muscle, and take most of the weight-bearing load on the inside of the foot. The bones can become injured by a stress fracture, a traumatic fracture, a sprain, or an injury caused by movement between the sesamoid bones and metatarsal bones in the foot. Symptoms of sesamoiditis include gradual pain in the forefoot, tenderness in the joint, limping or shifting weight to the outside of the foot when walking, swelling, and inflammation. Treatment is based on the severity of the pain and protecting the foot against future injury. If you have pain in the base of your big toe, see a chiropodist who can diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment options.
Sesamoiditis is a painful injury to one or both of the two tiny bones located in the ball of the foot. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
What is sesamoiditis?
The sesamoid consists of two small, pea-shaped bones located in the ball of the foot beneath the big toe. These bones can be injured and broken or inflamed, leading to foot pain and a variety of other symptoms. Sesamoiditis is common in dancers, joggers, people who have high arches, and people who wear high heels frequently.
Symptoms
Pain beneath the base of the big toe
Pain while walking or wearing certain types of shoes
Swelling
Warmth
Redness in the big toe
Diagnosis
Sesamoiditis can be diagnosed through physical examination. Your chiropodist may also wish to take an X-ray or MRI to determine if the bones are fractured, displaced, or affected by arthritis. If there is a different suspected underlying cause, such as gout or an infection, your chiropodist may also need to take a sample of joint fluid.
Treatment
Treatments for sesamoiditis are usually conservative. You may be asked to wear more comfortable, supportive shoes with a wider toe area, thick sole, and low heel. A chiropodist can also prescribe orthotic inserts that you can put in your shoes. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can be taken to help manage pain. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections into the ball of the foot may be needed for pain management.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
