Got Sesamoiditis?

Got a pain in the ball of your foot?  One possible explanation is sesamoiditis.  Sesamoiditis is a pain in the ball of the foot underneath the big toe.  This is where the sesamoid bones are located. 

Sesamoid bones are bones that are embedded in tendons, and help reduce friction and act as a pulley across a joint.  This makes the motion of the joint much smoother, and more efficient.  The sesamoids of the great toe help to increase leverage during the toe-off phase of gait.  These bones are about the size of a kernel of corn. 

Sesamoiditis is most common in young, active people.  It is particularly common in runners and dancers, as there is a lot of pressure put on the ball of the foot during these activities.  Every time that you push off with your big toe, the sesamoid bones are involved in the movement.  This can eventually lead to irritation.  Since the sesamoid bones are buried within a tendon, sesamoiditis can actually be considered a form of tendonitis, as the tendon encapsulating the bones are generally inflamed as well.

Cases of sesamoiditis are usually distinguished from other causes of foot pain by their gradual onset.  The pain will typically begin as a mild ache during activity, that slowly progress to a more intense, but dull, pain.  Most cases do not show any apparent signs of redness or bruising of the skin.  Sesamoiditis generally is caused by an increase in physical activity.  This may be seen in people just beginning to run or dance, or in a runner that has recently increased mileage or intensity of their training.  It is also often seen in baseball catchers, who usually put a lot of weight on the balls of their feet.

Sesamoids, like any other bone in your body, can also fracture.  When your doctor diagnoses sesamoiditis, they will take an X-ray to see if the bones are fractured or not. 

Treatment of sesamoiditis starts with a good amount of rest.  It is important to stop the activity that is causing the inflammation.  Invasive measurements are usually not necessary.  Icing the effected area will help lessen the pain, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).  Sesamoiditis can be prevented by wearing a well-padded shoe when performing physical activity.  Some people may simply not have a thick enough fat pad in the ball of their foot.  This may be aided by a soft metatarsal pad inserted into the shoe.  

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com