If you're having persistent foot pain in the ball of your foot, you could be suffering from sesamoiditis. Imagine waking up in the morning, your alarm buzzing as sunlight streams through the window. You stretch and swing your legs out of bed, but the moment your foot touches the ground, a sharp, nagging pain shoots through the ball of your foot, stopping you in your tracks. The simple act of walking to the bathroom feels like stepping on sharp pebbles. As you hobble through your morning routine, every step reminds you of the discomfort—making it hard to focus on anything else. You think about the day ahead: grocery shopping, meeting a friend for lunch, maybe a quick workout—but the thought of being on your feet for hours feels daunting. By the end of the day, even standing at the kitchen counter to make dinner seems like a monumental task. What once were effortless moments are now clouded by pain, slowing you down and making every activity feel like a chore; this leaves you wondering what is going on with your foot and how you can treat it.
OrthoNJ is different from your typical medical provider. Unlike many in the industry, we prioritize patient care over profits. Our six divisions work collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. We believe in the "Power to Put Patients First," our doctors and divisional partners strive to uphold this commitment to our patients in every aspect of our medical care.
Sesamoiditis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the tendons surrounding the sesamoid bones in the ball of the foot. Unlike most bones in the body, sesamoid bones are not connected to other bones; instead, they are embedded in the tendons. These small, pea-shaped bones provide leverage and shock absorption during activities like walking, running, or dancing.
The sesamoid bones are located beneath the toe joint and bear significant pressure with every step. When overused, these bones and their surrounding tendons can become irritated and inflamed, which can lead to the development of sesamoiditis. Common culprits include repetitive activities that shift weight to the ball of the foot, such as wearing high heels, engaging in sports, or dancing.
The sesamoid bones in the big toe are two small, pea-shaped bones located beneath the joint at the base of the big toe. These bones are embedded within the tendons of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle, a muscle in your foot that starts near the middle of your foot and connects to your big toe to help you bend your big toe downward.
Sesamoiditis is primarily a repetitive stress injury. It develops when the tendons interacting with the sesamoid bones are subjected to repeated strain.
Physical Activities: High-impact activities such as running, dancing, basketball, or tennis often involve repetitive stress on the ball of the foot.
Improper Footwear: Improperly fitting footwear can cause big problems. Shoes with poor arch support, narrow toe boxes, or high heels can exacerbate pressure on the sesamoid bones.
Foot Structure: Individuals with high arches, flat feet, or who naturally walk with an inward roll (overpronation) are more prone to sesamoiditis.
Medical Conditions: Rarely, gout or arthritis may contribute to the development of this condition.
Sesamoiditis symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time without proper care.
If left untreated, sesamoiditis can interfere with daily activities, making walking or even standing painful.
We recommend seeing one of ONJ's foot & ankle specialists or podiatrists if you think you may have sesamoiditis or are having persistent pain in your foot. The doctor will typically begin with a physical examination, asking about the onset and severity of your symptoms and any other important detiails.
Differentiating sesamoiditis from other conditions is essential for effective treatment. For instance, turf toe results from sudden trauma to the big toe joint, while sesamoiditis stems from gradual overuse.
The key to treating sesamoiditis is reducing stress on the affected area and managing inflammation.
Rest and Activity Modification:
This means avoiding activities that are putting pressure on the ball of your foot. Resting allows your inflamed tendons time to heal.
Icing and Elevation:
Ice packs can reduce swelling and inflammation, and elevating the foot can also help alleviate symptoms.
Footwear Adjustments:
Switching to shoes with better arch support and a wider toe box can relieve pressure. Custom orthotics may be recommended to redistribute weight away from the sesamoid bones.
Taping or Bracing:
Strapping or taping the big toe can limit movement and protect the sesamoid bones. In severe cases, a short leg fracture brace may be necessary.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling.
Steroid Injections:
In severe cases, your doctor may inject steroids directly into the inflamed area to manage pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy:
If the foot has been immobilized, physical therapy can restore strength and range of motion in the toe and foot.
Sesamoiditis Surgery:
Surgery is considered a last resort for chronic cases that don’t respond to conservative treatments. It may involve removing one of the sesamoid bones, but care is taken to leave at least one intact to maintain proper foot function.
Recovery time for sesamoiditis depends on the severity of the condition. Mild sesamoidits cases may resolve within a few weeks. More severe cases could take months. If surgery is necessary, it can extend recovery time significantly.
Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid, often resulting in sudden, intense pain and swelling in the big toe. Sesamoiditis, on the other hand, develops gradually from repetitive stress.g community.
Yes, sesamoid bones can fracture due to direct trauma or repetitive stress. Treatment may involve immobilization with the use of a cast or splint, pain management, and physical therapy.
Sesamoiditis, when left untreated, can lead to chronic pain and permanent damage. When you're dealing with foot pain, especially sesamoiditis, seeking medical help early can help prevent complications and set you up for a full recovery.
Sesamoiditis may seem like a small issue, but its impact on mobility and daily life can be significant. Understanding the causes and symptoms of sesamoiditis can be key to helping you prevent it. Seeking treatment early can help you have the best recovery. If you are experiencing sesamoiditis-like persistent pain in the ball of your foot, consult a healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan.
You don't have to stay in pain. Contact one of our ONJ divisions to schedule an appointment.
