Sesamoiditis is a condition observed as inflammation and pain within the small sesamoid bones. These types of bones are a couple of little, pea-shaped and size bones located under the base of the great toe in the feet. These sesamoid bones behave as levers, supplying leverage to the tendons which help move the big toe or hallux in the same manner that the kneecap acts as a pulley around the knee joint. Sesamoiditis generally evolves gradually and is generally brought on by repeated strain or too much use of the foot. The main causes are usually this excessive use and recurring pressure. Sports activities which entail recurring strain or impact on the front foot, for example basketball, jogging, dance, or bouncing, could bring about the cause of sesamoiditis. These high-impact sports which involve quick and powerful movements, such as basketball or tennis are more likely to raise the risk because the front foot in which the sesamoid bones are is the place you rotate over the feet. Characteristics including having a high mid-foot (arch), prominent or bigger sesamoid bones, or excessive inward rolling of the feet (overpronation) could place extra stress on the sesamoid bones. Making use of footwear which don't have appropriate shock absorption, support, and have a tight toe area could also contribute to sesamoiditis by increasing pressure about the forefoot.
The main characteristic of sesamoiditis is local discomfort under the base of the great toe on palpation. This soreness might be referred to as a dull, aching, or throbbing and typically exacerbates with increased exercise. The involved area beneath the ball of the foot may appear swollen, red, or warm to the touch. There could possibly be difficult taking weight on the feet. Frequently walking or bearing weight on the ball of the foot is often uncomfortable.
The key approach to treatment of sesamoiditis is rest as well as activity changes. Sporting activities really need to be reduced or avoiding exercises that worsen the pain is very important to allow the sesamoid bones to recover. Altering to lower impact physical exercises and integrating some cross-training exercises can help preserve conditioning with out adding excessive force on the feet. Making use of ice packs on the involved area several times a day may help lower swelling and pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as motrin can help reduce pain and lower inflammation when it becomes very painful. Using shoes with good shock absorption and support, especially in the ball of the foot area, might help ease force about the sesamoid bones. Foot orthotics may be advisable to give additional padding and correct biomechanical problems. Using pads or cushions beneath the involved area can help relieve stress minimizing the pain. At times offloading equipment, like a moon brace or crutches, can be necessary in severe cases to allow for complete rest. In some cases that are not resolving to the stress reduction treatment, corticosteroid shots could be used to decrease pain and inflammation. Surgical treatment is not often required for sesamoiditis except in the worst cases when the conservative treatments tend not to offer relief and the pain is continual or substantial damage has been done to the sesamoid bones. The medical procedures requires the surgical removal with the impacted sesamoid bones and should be considered as a last resort.