SESAMOIDITIS SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

What is Sesamoiditis?

Sesamoiditis is a common ailment of the plantar forefoot, causing pain in the ball of the foot specifically under the big toe joint. The sesamoid bones are very small bones which are located under the big toe joint within the tendons that run to the big toe. They are similar to the kneecap, acting to increase the leverage of the tendons that control the big toe. Due to their location and function, they are subjected to massive pressure and forces every time the big toe is used to push the foot forward.
 
Symptoms of Sesamoiditis
 

Sesamoiditis typically presents gradually, starting as a mild ache increasing gradually where it can become an intense throbbing. People participating in activities and sports that involve repetitive, excessive loading of the ball of the foot such as dancing, sprinting or even walking often suffer from this condition. People with boney, higher arched feet, marked flat feet or those who tend to run on the ball of their foot also tend to be more prone to sesamoiditis.

Conservative Treatment 

Treatment will vary between patients and will typically involve a period of rest from any activities likely to aggravate the problem. Immobilization strapping, ice and oral anti-inflammatory drugs may also be utilized to settle inflammation and pain and aid in the healing process. A soft full-length functional orthotic is commonly used to offload the sesamoids and deflect pressure away from the painful area. Orthotics are essential in treating an underlying causative foot condition, such as flat feet (pes planus), high arched feet (pes cavus), bunions or those with reduced plantar fatty padding. In the case of persistent severe sesamoiditis or stress fractures of the sesamoids, the use of short leg Pneumatic walker with rocker sole (walking cast) for 2 to 6 weeks may be required. 

Brought to you by Doctor John A. Hardy, owner of Toronto's foot clinic, Academy Foot and Orthotics Clinic.

PROFESSIONAL FOOT CLINIC

416-465-8737

Toronto, ON Chiropodist Academy Foot and Orthotic

752 BROADVIEW AVENUE Toronto, ON M4K 2P1 

Across from the Broadview Subway | Professional Family Foot Care