Sesamoiditis is a condition that refers to inflammation of the tendons connected to the sesamoid bones in the foot. Sesamoid bones are small, typically round, bones that are formed near joints and aren’t connected to other bones but, rather, to tendons or muscles. In the foot, there are two sesamoid bones near the joint of the first metatarsal bone and the big toe. Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of the tendons connecting these bones to the rest of the foot structure.
Sesamoiditis is most common in certain athletes and dancers. Athletes engaged in sports that require pressure on the big toe for performance are at a higher risk for developing sesamoiditis. Running, basketball, football, and dancing are just a few of the activities that require a higher than normal level of pressure on the sesamoid bones in the feet.
In the early stages, sesamoiditis presents as pain or swelling near the big toe. It can be difficult to distinguish between a big toe sprain, a broken bone in the foot, and sesamoiditis. Individuals with sesamoiditis may experience difficulty straitening their big toe or have a “popping” sensation in the big toe while walking. Swelling and bruising may develop and the pain may worsen until it interferes with a person’s ability to walk and perform daily activities.
Sesamoiditis is difficult to diagnose without a thorough physical exam. The symptoms of sesamoiditis are similar to the symptoms of a sprain or broken bone. X-rays or a bone scan may be necessary to rule out other conditions or identify additional, underlying problems.
Rest is the first step toward treating sesamoiditis. Whatever activity has caused the injury must be paused while the foot is allowed to heal. During this healing process, a person must avoid any activity that places pressure on the ball of the foot. High heels should be avoided during the healing process, as well as sports and unnecessary activities.
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can help alleviate pain and swelling. The doctor may also recommend cortisone injections to assist in reducing inflammation.
Dr. Jeffery Kleis, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist serving all of Orange County from his centrally located office in Costa Mesa. With more than 25 years of experience treating disorders and injuries of the feet and ankles, Dr. Kleis ensures that he and his team remain always on the cutting edge of treatment technologies. Dr. Kleis can offer treatment for sesamoiditis that includes all of the timeless methods and the latest developments in acoustic-wave and low-level laser therapies. These therapies are employed by top athletic teams to keep their athletes ready to play at the top of their game. You deserve the same type of first-class treatment for your conditions.
If you are suffering from foot pain and suspect sesamoiditis, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis by calling (714) 760-1944 or book an appointment online.
What is a Sesamoid Bone?
Most of the bones in the body are connected to other bones by joints. An old child’s song says,
“The toe bone’s connected to the foot bone,
The foot bone’s connected to the heel bone,
The heel bone’s connected to the ankle bone,
The ankle bone’s connected to the leg bone,”
etc., and so on.
However, not all bones in the human body ARE connected to other bones. Some bones are only connected to other bones by tendons, or simply embedded directly in muscles. These small, round bones are called sesamoid bones.
Examples of sesamoid bones include:
- Knee Caps – These are the largest sesamoid bones in the body and the easiest to identify.
- Hand Bones – There are two sesamoid bones in the distal portions of the first and second metacarpal bones in the hand.
- Foot Bones – Two sesamoid bones are found in the foot, located near the connection between the big toe and the first metatarsal bone.
- Wrist Bones – The pisiform of the wrist is a sesamoid bone.
There is even a sesamoid bone found in the ear structure. Sesamoid bones help strengthen ligaments and joints and serve to protect those joints from injury.
What Causes Sesamoiditis?
Sesamoiditis is an over-use injury to the tendons that connect the sesamoid bones in the foot. These bones are located on either side of the joint of the big toe and the first metatarsal bone. The big toe provides a great deal of the power needed to perform certain sports and activities. Overuse of these tendons, without sufficient rest and recovery time, can result in injury to the tendons that requires treatment to heal.
Athletes and dancers are most at risk for developing sesamoiditis, though anyone who engages in activities that place an inordinate amount of pressure on the ball of the foot or the big toe could be at risk. Wearing high heels, especially very high heels, can place too much pressure on the ball of the foot and result in sesamoiditis.
Older individuals who take up new activities like running, hiking, basketball, or dancing may be at a higher risk for developing sesamoiditis. As people age, injuries are more easily sustained and “over-use” may occur at a much earlier stage in the activity than the same individual may have experienced in the past. In other words, just because a person played basketball every day twenty years ago doesn’t mean they can take it up again and play for hours on end with no rest. New activities should be embraced slowly as a person ages, allowing the body plenty of time to adapt to each new activity and intensity level.
Sesamoid Pain
Pain from a sesamoid injury is common. The tendons surrounding the sesamoid bone have been injured, generally from over-use, and the area surrounding the sesamoid bones may be inflamed, swollen, red, and warm to the touch. This is an indication that ice and rest are necessary to give the tendons time to recover and heal.
If ice and rest fail to provide relief, you should seek the advice of a podiatrist for your sesamoid pain. A podiatrist is a specialist, trained in treating the disorders and injuries to the feet and ankles. Dr. Jeffery Kleis, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist serving all of Orange County from his centrally located office in Costa Mesa. With more than 25 years of experience treating disorders and injuries of the feet and ankles, Dr. Kleis ensures that he and his team remain always on the cutting edge of treatment technologies. Dr. Kleis can offer treatment for sesamoiditis that includes all of the timeless methods and the latest developments in acoustic-wave and low-level laser therapies. These therapies are employed by top athletic teams to keep their athletes ready to play at the top of their game. You deserve the same type of first-class treatment for your conditions.
If you are suffering from sesamoid pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis by calling (714) 760-1944 or book an appointment online.
Sesamoiditis Symptoms
Symptoms of sesamoiditis include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty Straitening the Big Toe
- A Popping Sensation Near The Big Toe
In the early stages, sesamoiditis presents as pain or swelling near the big toe. It can be difficult to distinguish between a big toe sprain, a broken bone in the foot, and sesamoiditis. Individuals with sesamoiditis may experience difficulty straitening their big toe or have a “popping” sensation in the big toe while walking. Swelling and bruising may develop and the pain may worsen until it interferes with a person’s ability to walk and perform daily activities.
The symptoms of sesamoiditis are similar to the symptoms of a sprain or broken bone. X-rays or a bone scan may be necessary to rule out other conditions or identify additional, underlying problems.
Sesamoiditis Treatment
Treatment for sesamoiditis begins with ice and rest for the injured foot. Over-the-counter medications can help relieve pain and inflammation. If the rest is not sufficient to heal the foot within a few days, you should be examined by a podiatrist.
Sesamoiditis treatment may include a longer rests period, immobilization, shoe changes, medications (over-the-counter or injections), and orthotic inserts. Dr. Kleis may also recommend acoustic-wave or low-level laser therapies to help stimulate healing in the tendons.
- Rest – Sesamoiditis is an over-use injury, making rest the first line of treatment.
- Immobilization – Taping or other immobilization may be required to ensure that the sesamoid bones and tendons remain protected and able to rest.
- Shoe Changes – High-heeled shoes place additional pressure on the ball of the foot, making them inappropriate for someone recovering from sesamoiditis.
- Medications – Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injections can reduce pain and swelling.
- Orthotic Inserts – Padded insoles or arch supports may help reduce the pressure on the ball of your foot and relieve pain.
- Acoustic-wave or Laser Therapies – These therapies have been proven to assist in the healing of muscles and tendons and are used by many top-level sports organizations to ensure faster healing time from injuries. Dr. Kleis is a leader in the field of laser therapy for foot conditions and ensures that he and his team are always on the cutting edge of new therapeutic technologies.
If you are suffering from sesamoid pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis by calling (714) 760-1944 or book an appointment online.
Sesamoiditis FAQs
What is a Sesamoid Bone?
Sesamoid bones are small, typically round, bones that are formed near joints and aren’t connected to other bones but, rather, to tendons or muscles.
Examples of sesamoid bones include:
- Knee Caps – These are the largest sesamoid bones in the body and the easiest to identify.
- Hand Bones – There are two sesamoid bones in the distal portions of the first and second metacarpal bones in the hand.
- Foot Bones – Two sesamoid bones are found in the foot, located near the connection between the big toe and the first metatarsal bone.
- Wrist Bones – The pisiform of the wrist is a sesamoid bone.
There is even a sesamoid bone found in the ear structure. Sesamoid bones help strengthen ligaments and joints and serve to protect those joints from injury.
What is Sesamoiditis?
Sesamoiditis is an over-use injury to the tendons that connect the sesamoid bones in the foot. These bones are located on either side of the joint of the big toe and the first metatarsal bone. The big toe provides a great deal of the power needed to perform certain sports and activities. Overuse of these tendons, without sufficient rest and recovery time, can result in an injury called sesamoiditis
What Does Sesamoiditis Feel Like?
In the early stages, sesamoiditis presents as pain or swelling near the big toe. It can be difficult to distinguish between a big toe sprain, a broken bone in the foot, and sesamoiditis. Individuals with sesamoiditis may experience difficulty straitening their big toe or have a “popping” sensation in the big toe while walking. Swelling and bruising in the area may develop and the pain worsens until it interferes with a person’s ability to walk and perform daily activities.
The symptoms of sesamoiditis are similar to the symptoms of a sprain or broken bone. X-rays or a bone scan may be necessary to rule out other conditions or identify additional, underlying problems.
What are the Symptoms of Sesamoiditis?
Symptoms of sesamoiditis include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty Straitening the Big Toe
- A Popping Sensation Near The Big Toe
In the early stages, sesamoiditis presents as pain or swelling near the big toe. It can be difficult to distinguish between a big toe sprain, a broken bone in the foot, and sesamoiditis. Individuals with sesamoiditis may experience difficulty straitening their big toe or have a “popping” sensation in the big toe while walking. Swelling and bruising in the area may develop and the pain worsens until it interferes with a person’s ability to walk and perform daily activities.
The symptoms of sesamoiditis are similar to the symptoms of a sprain or broken bone. X-rays or a bone scan may be necessary to rule out other conditions or identify additional, underlying problems.
How to Fix Sesamoiditis?
The first step toward fixing sesamoiditis is to ice the injured area and rest from the activities that caused the injury. Over-the-counter medications can help relieve pain and inflammation. If the rest is not sufficient to heal the foot within a few days, you should be examined by a podiatrist.
Sesamoiditis treatment may include a longer rests period, immobilization, shoe changes, medications (over-the-counter or injections), and orthotic inserts. Dr. Kleis may also recommend acoustic-wave or low-level laser therapies to help stimulate healing in the tendons.
- Rest – Sesamoiditis is an over-use injury, making rest the first line of treatment.
- Immobilization – Taping or other immobilization may be required to ensure that the sesamoid bones and tendons remain protected and able to rest.
- Shoe Changes – High-heeled shoes place additional pressure on the ball of the foot, making them inappropriate for someone recovering from sesamoiditis.
- Medications – Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injections can reduce pain and swelling.
- Orthotic Inserts – Padded insoles or arch supports may help reduce the pressure on the ball of your foot and relieve pain.
- Acoustic-wave or Laser Therapies – These therapies have been proven to assist in the healing of muscles and tendons and are used by many top-level sports organizations to ensure faster healing time from injuries. Dr. Kleis is a leader in the field of laser therapy for foot conditions and ensures that he and his team are always on the cutting edge of new therapeutic technologies.
If you are suffering from sesamoid pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis by calling (714) 760-1944 or book an appointment online.