Sesamoiditis is a condition described as pain and inflammation around the little sesamoid bones. These sesamoid bones are a couple of little, pea-shaped and sized bones found under the base of the big toe within the foot. These types of sesamoid bones serve as pulleys, giving leverage to the muscles which help move the big toe or hallux just like that the kneecap acts as a pulley around the knee. Sesamoiditis normally occurs gradually and it is frequently resulting from repeated strain or overuse of the foot. The primary causes are usually this excessive use and recurring stress. Sports activities that involve repeated stress or impact on the front foot, such as basketball, jogging, dancing, or bouncing, may bring about the cause of sesamoiditis. These high-impact sporting activities which involve fast and forceful movements, such as basketball or tennis usually tend to raise the risk since the front foot where the bones are is the place you pivot on the foot. Features for example having a higher mid-foot (arch), prominent or enlarged sesamoid bones, or excessive inward rolling of the foot (overpronation) could place additional stress on the sesamoid bones. Using footwear that are lacking satisfactory padding, support, and have a tight toe box can also contribute to sesamoiditis by raising pressure about the ball of the foot.
The primary characteristic of sesamoiditis is localized discomfort underneath the bottom of the great toe or hallux on palpation. This soreness could be identified as a dull, aching, or pounding and frequently worsens with additional activity. The affected area underneath the front foot may appear swollen, red, or warm to touch. There can be difficult taking weight on the feet. Generally walking or bearing weight upon the ball of the foot can be very painful.
The primary way of therapy for sesamoiditis is rest as well as exercise modification. Physical activities really need to be reduced or steering clear of exercises which aggravate the pain is very important to permit the sesamoid bones to heal. Modifying to lower impact physical exercises and including some cross-training exercises may help maintain physical fitness without having putting too much stress on the injury. Applying ice packs on the affected region more than once each day will help lessen pain and inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as advil can help relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation if it becomes too painful. Using shoes with good shock absorption and support, especially in the ball of the foot area, might help ease pressure on the sesamoid bones. Foot orthotics might be advised to provide added padding and fix alignment problems. Using pads or cushions under the involved area might help alleviate strain and lower the discomfort. Sometimes offloading products, for instance a walking boot or crutches, may be required in severe situations to allow for total rest. In some cases that aren't responding to the strain reduction treatment, corticosteroid injection therapy could be used to lessen pain and inflammation. Surgical procedures are rarely necessary for sesamoiditis except in the most severe cases when the conservative treatments do not provide pain relief and the pain is continual or significant deterioration continues to be done to the sesamoid bones. The surgical treatment requires the surgical removal with the impacted sesamoid bones and really should be looked at as a final option.