Is Your Foot Pain Caused by Sesamoiditis?
Have you ever woken up with a throbbing pain in the ball of your foot (right under your big toe) that worsens when you walk? Or maybe you've been experiencing stiffness or discomfort in your big toe joint, but you can't seem to figure out what's causing it.
If any of this sounds familiar, you might be suffering from a condition called sesamoiditis.
What Is Sesamoidtis?
Sesamoiditis is a type of chronic inflammation (tendonitis) affecting the sesamoids, two small bones underneath the big toe joint. The sesamoids help lift the big toe, and they also help to distribute weight across the ball of the foot when walking or running.
Because of their importance in movement and shock absorption, sesamoiditis can cause significant pain and discomfort.
What Causes Sesamoiditis?
Overuse or repetitive stress activities are the number one cause of sesamoiditis. This condition is often seen in:
Runners, dancers, and other athletes who participate in sports that put stress on the ball of the foot
People who do a lot of walking in high heels
People with high arches
People with flat feet
What Does Sesamoiditis Feel Like?
Most people will experience a dull ache beneath the big toe joint that develops gradually and worsens over time. Other symptoms that can range from mild to severe include:
Pain and tenderness around the base of the big toe
Stiffness that makes it difficult to bend the big toe
Pain that gets worse during activity but improves with rest
Swelling or redness
Bruising
How Is Sesamoiditis Treated?
The good news is that several treatment options are available ― and if diagnosed early enough, most people will fully recover.
In most cases, Dr. Elton will recommend a conservative treatment plan to relieve any stress on the sesamoid bones and give the tendons time to heal. This may include:
Rest or activity modification
Ice
Taping or cushioning pads
Wearing low-heeled, supportive shoes
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
Steroid injections
Recovery time depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may resolve within a week or two, but if you've been experiencing severe symptoms for a while, it could take months to heal fully.
In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to remove a sesamoid bone if other measures fail to provide relief.
You Don’t Have To Live With Foot Pain
If you're experiencing foot pain that seems to be getting worse with activity instead of better, contact Dr. Elton at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery today. If diagnosed early enough, sesamoiditis and other foot conditions can often be managed or resolved with conservative treatment.
Schedule an appointment with Team Elton by calling (970) 476-7220 or submitting a request using this online form.
Dr. Elton conveniently sees patients in the Edwards, Vail, and Frisco clinics.