WHAT ARE SESAMOID BONES?
Sesamoid bones are bones which are not connected with any other bones by a joint. The tendons surrounding the sesamoid bones are pulled by them & aid in movement.
There are sesamoid bones in your feet as well and they support the big toes. If the tendons surrounding your sesamoid bones in your feet become inflamed, it is called sesamoiditis.
It commonly affects basketball players & runners.
SYMPTOMS OF SESAMOIDITIS
- You are not being able to bend or straighten your big toes.
- The skin around your big toe is swollen.
- Foot pain which increases in intensity over the course of weeks or months.
- Pain on the balls of your feet.
The constant pain can cause you to limp. It can cause you to put your weight on your other foot.
HOW IS SESAMOIDITIS DIAGNOSED?
They will ask you preliminary questions like –
- When did the foot pain start?
- What makes the pain worse?
- Have you had any medications to treat the foot pain?
Doctors will take an X-ray or an MRI scan of your foot to see whether you have a foot fracture. But sesamoid bones can vary in appearance so it can be difficult to diagnose sesamoiditis.
HOW IS SESAMOIDITIS TREATED?
There are many home remedies available to treat sesamoiditis –
- Take OTC pain medications.
- An ice-pack can help reduce pain inflammation.
- Wear comfortable soft-soled shoes.
- Don’t wear high-heeled shoes.
- Custom orthotics can help you to avoid foot pain.
- You can tape your big toe down to relieve pressure on your feet.
- Corticosteroid injection can relieve pain & inflammation.
- Leg fracture braces can help you reduce pain & pressure on your feet.
- You should not put any pressure on your foot with stress fracture for at least 6 weeks.
If it worsens after 6 weeks, please visit an expert foot & ankle specialist.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from persistent pain just below your big toe, call us today on (469) 545-9983 to book an appointment with our expert podiatrists.