Big toe hurts…what is sesamoiditis?

Prolonged irritation of the tendons connected to the two tiny sesamoid bones at the base of the big toe characterizes sesamoiditis, an overuse injury. Each sesamoid bone of a typical foot is situated directly below the big toe joint on the bottom of the forefoot.

The tendons move along the flat surface of the sesamoid bones, which function as tiny pulleys. They resemble little kneecap bones in appearance. Their role and positioning contribute to the tendons' increased mobility and weight-bearing capacity. Foot sesamoiditis, also known as inflammation of the sesamoids, is often brought on by increased loading or pressure on the tendons and sesamoid bones.

Particularly prevalent cases of sesamoiditis are seen in particular sportspeople and dancers. Additionally, it occurs more often in certain foot types, where the architecture around the sesamoid bones is more prominent and stiff. The tendons connected to these specific bones are often overworked or strained, which causes pain and dysfunction.

How do I know if I have sesamoiditis? How does sesamoiditis feel?

A persistent, lingering discomfort under the big toe joint is often linked to sesamoiditis. The discomfort is intermittent, often worsened by certain weight-bearing activities or while wearing particular shoes.

When the tendons around the sesamoids are irritated or inflamed it can result in pain, particularly around the ball of the foot, the pain is concentrated under the big toe joint. Sesamoiditis is usually a chronic condition. Thus discomfort may be gradual with just some swelling or bruising.

The toe is most often in pain when it is bent and straightened. Pain is raised with increasing load volumes related to activities like dancing, jogging, and leaping.

How is sesamoiditis diagnosed?

Your podiatrist would need to physically inspect your foot, specifically the area around the big toe joint, to identify a sesamoid injury. Your evaluation will take a hands-on approach, including crucial factors like gait analysis, joint range-of-motion tests, and footwear patterns.

Finding the precise reason and establishing the diagnosis of sesamoid discomfort may be difficult since various forefoot problems can appear similar to sesamoiditis. X-rays imaging may be required.

Turf toe and fractures are two conditions that may cause similar symptoms to sesamoiditis. When the big toe joint is stretched above its normal range, turf toe, an injury towards the soft tissue around the big toe joint, often occurs. Direct trauma or pressure to the joint may result in a fracturing (break) in a sesamoid bone.

An accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensure that the proper course of therapy is taken.

What Is the best treatment for sesamoiditis?

Sesamoiditis is often treated first non-surgically and in a conservative manner. Before considering surgical treatments, it's crucial to use a conservative approach and get advice from your podiatrist. The following approaches for treatment might be considered depending on the injury's severity and diagnosis:

·        Sesamoiditis Taping & Padding: To reduce stress or strain on the forefoot, a particular sesamoiditis cushion and/or strapping may be utilized.

·        Mobilization: Your podiatrist may recommend manual treatment and range-of-motion exercises you may do at home.

·        Modifications to footwear: may be needed (during daily activities and when participating in sports).

·        Custom orthotic devices: that lessen the stress on the damaged sesamoids to ease discomfort and encourage recovery.

·        NSAIDs and oral medications: will be used as a stopgap.

·        In rare circumstances, injection therapy: may be used to lessen pain and inflammation.

·        Immobilization: If a sesamoid fracture is present, a sesamoiditis walking boot may be needed to relieve pressure on the forefoot area and, in particular, the big toe joint.

Surgery for sesamoiditis is often only undertaken if other treatments have failed. If surgery is necessary, your podiatrist can assist in guiding you toward the most qualified doctors in the area and explaining your surgical alternatives to you.

TIPS/PREVENTION

Put on practical, suitable footwear, like sneakers. So that your toes are not confined, they should feature a wide toe box.

If your work involves heavy lifting or other movements that put pressure upon that ball of your foot, use these orthotics as directed.

Running shoes and other footwear should be routinely replaced. Sesamoiditis may be avoided by wearing supportive, cushioned footwear. Sneakers with shock absorption are very useful. Shoes should be changed every six months or more frequently if the wearer is particularly active.

Consult a podiatrist knowledgeable about the numerous sesamoiditis causes and available treatments. This will make a quicker recovery more likely.

Bondi Podiatry can help you if you're looking for a Bondi Junction podiatrist for pain in your feet.

We treat feet from all over Sydney, particularly the Eastern Suburbs. As Bondi Junction podiatrists, we are happy to treat anyone that comes to our Sydney podiatry clinic. Our local area includes Bondi Junction, Bondi, Bondi Beach, North Bondi, Rose Bay, Tamarama, Coogee, Randwick, Bellevue Hill, Double Bay, Dover Heights, Vaucluse, and Edgecliff.