Most bones in the body connect to other bones, but sesamoid bones are different. They’re either connected to tendons or embedded within muscles in the feet, hands, and knees.
Sesamoiditis is a type of tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendons. With sesamoiditis, inflammation affects the tendons surrounding the sesamoids in the feet. Sesamoiditis specifically refers to inflammation in the ball of the foot under the big toe joint, although other sesamoids in the foot may also be affected.
Knowing what causes sesamoiditis, the symptoms to look for, and how the condition is treated can help you address and prevent foot pain from interfering with your daily activities.
What Causes Sesamoiditis?
Sesamoiditis often progresses gradually as an overuse injury. It commonly affects dancers, runners, and other athletes.
Yet, there are some foot conditions or habits that can make you more prone to developing sesamoiditis, which include:
- Having flat feet
- Having high arches
- Having an inward roll to the foot
- Frequently wearing high heels
Can Gout Cause Sesamoiditis?
In rare cases, gout can cause inflammation around the sesamoid bones and lead to sesamoiditis. Gout is a type of arthritis that happens when the body produces too much uric acid, a byproduct of the body breaking down food and drinks. Uric acid can form crystals that build up in the joints. Gout often affects the big toe joint, but this condition can affect other joints, like the ankle.
What Are the Symptoms of Sesamoiditis?
The primary symptom of sesamoiditis is pain in the ball of the foot, specifically beneath the joint of the big toe. Pain may build slowly until it’s too painful to walk, but if a fracture is involved, the pain will be immediate.
Other sesamoiditis symptoms may include:
- Trouble walking
- Difficulty putting any weight on the big toe
- Pain when trying to flex the big toe
- Bruising, redness, or swelling
How Is Sesamoiditis Diagnosed?
To diagnose sesamoiditis, a podiatrist will ask about your symptoms and then carefully examine your foot. Your doctor may perform a passive axial compression test, in which they move the joint to simulate how it works when you’re walking.
They may also use diagnostic ultrasound. This safe, painless, radiation-free test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the soft tissues inside your foot or ankle.
What Are Sesamoiditis Treatment Options?
Treatment for sesamoiditis mostly involves rest and self-care. You may try:
- Resting your foot to give the sesamoid bones and surrounding tendons time to heal. Your podiatrist may recommend using crutches for a while.
- Taping your big toe to restrict movement while your foot heals.
- Applying ice to help reduce pain and swelling. Use an ice pack or wrap the ice in a towel.
- Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, to relieve pain and inflammation.
Your podiatrist may also recommend nonsurgical treatments, such as:
- Wearing a brace to keep the foot in place and encourage healing.
- Taking prescribed oral steroids or receiving steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Completing physical therapy to restore range of motion after your foot has been restricted.
- Using custom orthotics to relieve pressure on the sesamoid bones as you gradually return to activity.
Surgery for sesamoiditis is rare. Yet, if other treatments don’t provide relief, having surgery to remove the affected sesamoid bone may be necessary.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Sesamoiditis?
Sesamoiditis recovery time depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may improve within a few days, while more severe cases can take several months to fully heal.
Most cases of sesamoiditis improve more quickly if you let your foot rest, which gives tissues a chance to repair. Returning to physical activity too soon can worsen the injury. Follow your podiatrist’s instructions and your body’s signals so you heal properly and prevent future injury.
How Can I Prevent Sesamoiditis?
Sesamoiditis prevention focuses on reducing the stress placed on the sesamoid bones. To help lower your risk, you can:
- Choose supportive shoes that have a wide toe box
- Wear custom orthotics made by your podiatrist
- Recognize and treat pain instead of ignoring it
- Rest and recover between workouts
Give Your Feet the Support They Need
Small bones can have a big impact on how comfortably you move. When the tendons surrounding sesamoid bones become inflamed, the discomfort can affect everything from daily activities to your favorite workout. The Foot & Ankle Center is here to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and provide the care you need to feel relief.
Our podiatrists will perform a physical exam and confirm it’s sesamoiditis with a diagnostic ultrasound. They’ll then recommend personalized treatment options. For custom orthotics, we use a digital scanner to capture the exact shape of your feet for a comfortable, precise fit.
Give us a call at (314) 487-9300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment today!