What is it?
Sesamoiditis is a common overuse condition impacting the forefoot, typically in young people who engage in physical activity like running or dancing.
The term is simply a description for any irritation of the sesamoid bones, which are tiny bones within the tendons that run under the big toe.
Every time you push off against the big toe your sesamoids are involved and when placed under high repetitive load, they can become inflamed or even fractured.
What are the symptoms?
If you have Sesamoiditis, you may notice some of the following symptoms around your ankle:
-
- Pain beneath the big toe joint – mild ache that gradually increases
- Redness or swelling beneath the big toe joint
- Pain and/or stiffness when moving the toe joint
- Difficulty walking
Why did I get it?
The risk factors the can cause Sesamoiditis include:
- Increase in activity
- Foot type
- Activities that cause repetitive impact on the balls of your feet
- Bony feet – not having much cushioning on the soles of your feet
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose a sesamoid injury your podiatrist will carefully undertake a detailed history along with a thorough clinical examination.
Whilst x-rays may be helpful in assessing the sesamoids, possible referral for more detailed scans such as a bone scan or MRI may also be warranted.
How can I treat it?
The quickest path to being pain free is to pay a visit to your Podiatrist for them to help you develop a treatment plan.
Below are some treatment strategies which may be implemented by your Podiatrist:
- Rest/ice
- Footwear advice
- Taping and/or strapping
- Padding
- Immobilsation
- Custom orthotics
- Personalised stretching/strengthening program
- Dry needling
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
Need help to resolve your Sesamoiditis?
Book your appointment with one of our podiatrists now!
