What is Sesamoiditis?
Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of the tendons connected to Sesamoids. In your foot, sesamoids are two small ball-sized bones in the ball of your foot. While there are sesamoids in other parts of your body – such as your knees – Sesamoiditis typically refers to the joints beneath your big toe.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is relatively common among athletes. For instance, dancing on hardwood floors, certain ballet positions, excessive running, and the shock from jumping can cause strain or fracture, resulting in Sesamoiditis. Even boney feet can be a factor.
Sesamoiditis Diagnosis
Often, you’ll first notice signs of Sesamoiditis by feeling pain in the ball of your foot. Depending on how active you are and the types of stress you put on your feet, this pain may go away and gradually return.
When you come in for a diagnosis of Sesamoiditis, your doctor will examine the condition of your foot. First, your doctor will test the tenderness of the ball of your foot. Then, they will check the flexibility of all of your toes. If your level of pain or the limits of your toe’s flexibility indicates Sesamoiditis, your doctor will have your foot X-rayed to get a better look.
If your sesamoids appear jagged or irregular, it could be a fracture. However, if the X-ray is inconclusive, more X-rays, a bone scan, ultrasound, or an MRI scan may be recommended to find any tendon or soft-tissue damage.
Sesamoiditis Treatment Options
Medication
Pain relief is often an effective treatment option. Most cases of Sesamoiditis are not severe enough to warrant surgery or other significant treatment. Aspirin, ibuprofen, or a cortisone shot will reduce swelling, and maybe all that is needed.
Orthotics
Padded shoe insoles may effectively relieve pain and swelling around your Sesamoids. You may be prescribed custom orthotics if needed. However, in many cases, you will be able to use over the counter insoles.
Change of Lifestyle
If medication and orthotics are not enough, the most effective treatment is likely lifestyle changes. You may need to change your activities and put less stress on your feet. This may mean removing some sports and other activities from your routine.
High-heels and some other shoes may put pressure on the ball of your foot. Swapping this out for more ergonomic and comfortable shoes could help.
Surgery
If no other options have worked, surgery may be needed. To surgically treat Sesamoiditis, your surgeon will remove one of your Sesamoids.
First, your surgeon will make sure that you understand any potential risks for your surgery. Then, on the day of surgery, you will be sedated with anesthesia to sleep through the operation. An incision will be made at the bottom of your foot, and the Sesamoid will be removed. After repairing any damage and closing the incision, the whole operation should take about 1½ hours.
You will likely need to stay off of your feet for five days. You should be able to return to regular, vigorous exercise after six to eight weeks of recovery.
Canyon Oaks Podiatry is Here to Help
If you suspect you may be suffering from Sesamoiditis, please, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us at Canyon Oaks Podiatry. Please complete the form below, and our Visalia office will be in touch with you within one business day.
