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Sesamoiditis Treatment
Pain beneath the big toe joint can make every step feel uncomfortable and limit your ability to stay active. At Integrity Foot and Ankle, we treat sesamoiditis—an inflammatory condition that affects the tiny sesamoid bones under the ball of the foot. These bones play a key role in bearing weight, absorbing impact, and supporting the tendons that flex the big toe.
Sesamoiditis often develops gradually due to repetitive pressure on the forefoot from activities like running, dancing, or wearing high heels. Common symptoms include aching or sharp pain under the big toe, swelling, bruising, or difficulty bending the toe. With early diagnosis and proper care, we help relieve discomfort, reduce inflammation, and get you back to movement without pain.
Benefits of Sesamoiditis Treatment:
- Reduces pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot
- Protects the sesamoid bones from further stress or injury
- Restores proper function and mobility of the big toe joint
- Helps prevent progression to stress fractures or chronic issues
- Allows for a quicker return to physical activity or sports
- Provides non-invasive treatment options tailored to severity
- Improves gait and walking comfort with supportive footwear
- Personalized foot care and orthotic recommendations
- Minimizes the risk of recurrence with long-term strategies
- Enhances quality of life with expert podiatric guidance
Treatment Options for Sesamoiditis
Non-Surgical Approaches
Activity Modification and Rest
Limiting activities that aggravate the forefoot helps reduce inflammation. We may recommend temporarily avoiding high-impact sports or prolonged standing to allow healing.
Padding, Footwear Changes, and Orthotics
Adding cushioning beneath the ball of the foot relieves pressure on the sesamoid bones. Supportive shoes with stiff soles or custom orthotics can redistribute weight and promote comfort.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications and Ice Therapy
Oral NSAIDs and regular icing help manage pain and reduce swelling. These methods are effective in early or mild cases of sesamoiditis.
Surgical Options
Partial or Full Sesamoid Removal (Sesamoidectomy)
In rare cases where conservative treatment fails and pain persists, removing all or part of the affected sesamoid bone may be necessary. Our surgical approach focuses on relieving pain while preserving foot function and balance.
What to Expect Before and After Treatment
Before Treatment
- Comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and activity level
- Physical examination and diagnostic imaging to confirm diagnosis
- Discussion of lifestyle and footwear habits
- Conservative care recommendations and long-term prevention planning
After Treatment
- Ongoing support through recovery with activity guidelines
- Footwear education to prevent recurrence of pressure on the sesamoids
- Follow-up visits to track healing progress and adjust treatment as needed
- Rehabilitation, including gentle exercises if surgery was performed
FAQ
What causes sesamoiditis to develop?
Sesamoiditis is typically caused by repetitive pressure or overuse, often from activities like running, dancing, or wearing high heels. It may also result from foot structure issues that increase pressure on the ball of the foot.
What are the symptoms of sesamoiditis?
Common signs include aching or sharp pain beneath the big toe joint, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bending the toe. Pain may increase with walking or pushing off the toe.
Can sesamoiditis heal without surgery?
Most cases improve with conservative care such as rest, footwear changes, and anti-inflammatory treatment. Surgery is rarely needed unless symptoms persist despite treatment.
How long does it take to recover from sesamoiditis?
Recovery time varies depending on severity, but most patients begin to feel better within a few weeks of starting treatment. In more advanced cases, healing may take several months.
What is the difference between sesamoiditis and a sesamoid fracture?
Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the sesamoid bones and surrounding tissue, while a fracture is an actual break in the bone. Imaging is used to distinguish between the two and guide treatment.
