Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is caused by little bones that are stuck in the tendons. It can also be the result of inflammation of the sesamoid bones. These tiny bones are situated underneath the joint of the big toe at the bottom of your feet. When they are swollen, they can be very painful. The sesamoid bones also control your toe movement.

Known Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Inappropriate Footwear - Any shoes that apply too much pressure on the balls of the feet, such as high heels.
• Excessive Pressure - It is known that too much pressure applied to the forefoot can cause sesamoiditis.
• Weak Calf Flexibility - If you have poor flexibility in your calves, it can lead to sesamoiditis, too.
• Too Much Arch (cavus foot) - If you have high arches, you automatically use more pressure on the front of your foot.

If you develop a throbbing gradual pain around the ball of your feet, you could be developing sesamoiditis. The more you move, the more it usually will hurt. You will also notice swelling and it will be painful to touch.

How Sesamoiditis is Diagnosed?

Your podiatrist can diagnose sesamoiditis by examining your big toe joint. Your podiatrist will want to observe how you are wearing your shoes, and examine how you walk. In addition, your podiatrist might request an MRI and x-ray to examine the surrounding area of your toe.

Sesamoiditis Treatment

• Ice
• Wrapping the foot with athletic tape
• Anti-Inflammatory medications
• Rest

Your podiatrist might have you on crutches for awhile to prevent further damage. If your condition is more severe, your podiatrist might suggest steroid injections. On rare occasions, you might even require surgery.

If sesamoiditis is not identified and treated, you could develop fractures in your feet. Therefore, it's important that you see a podiatrist if you have such chronic pain in your feet. Contact Talus InMotion Foot & Ankle today to get the treatment you need.