Sesamoiditis

What is Sesamoiditis?
The most common symptom of Sesamoiditis is pain in the ball-of-the-foot, under the big toe at the ball of the foot. Sesmoid bones are tiny bones within the tendons that run to the big toe. These bones help to aid in the bending of the big toe. Every time you push off against the toe the sesamoids are involved, and eventually they can become irritated, even fractured. Sesamoid problems often don’t heal on their own – if you are having pain under the ball of your foot, call today for an appointment.

Sesamoiditis as a mild ache to an intense throbbing. One of the major causes of sesamoiditis is increased activity. Speedwork, hill work, or even increased mileage can cause this. Also, if you have a high arched foot, you will naturally put more pressure on the balls-of-your-feet.

Treating Sesamoiditis
Treatment for sesamoiditis is almost always noninvasive, rarely is surgery necessary but may be an option if conservative care fails. Our first goal is to reduce pressure on the sesamoid bones. Minor cases call for:

• Strict period of rest
• Proper shoes
• Arch supports or custom orthotics in your shoes (More resistant cases of  sesamoiditis may require custom orthotics)
• Ice
• Anti-inflammatory medications
  

Custom Orthotics Will Reduce Pressure on Painful Sesamoids
Custom functional orthotics, if properly prescribed and fitted, will dramatically reduce pressure on the sesamoids – leading to decreased pain and less chance of the pain returning.

Orthotics for sesamoiditis are prescribed specifically to help take weight off of the painful sesamoid and to distribute the force onto the arch or onto the non-painful metatarsal heads. This requires an orthotic that conforms extremely close to the arch of your foot. These are called “total contact foot orthotics”. In addition, special pads are added to further reduce pressure on the sesamoids.

In order to ensure best outcomes from your orthotics we first perform a detailed examination, including slow motion video analysis, of how you walk and how your feet work. A mold of your foot is then taken in a very specific position and the orthotic devices are prescribed in a manner to best reduce force and trauma to your sesamoids.

Call today for an appointment in our convenient Seattle office.

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All pages on this website © 2005-2010
Douglas Hale, DPM & Lawrence Huppin, DPM
Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Seattle
The material provided on this web site is for informative purposes only.
If you need specific medical advice, please contact the office for an appointment.

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