Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the tendons that surround the sesamoid bones in the ball of the foot. Overuse, particularly by dancers, runners, and athletes who frequently place weight on their balls of foot, is the usual culprit. Rest and anti-inflammatory medicines are taken to treat it.
Sesamoiditis – what is it?
A specific type of tendonitis, or inflammation of tendons, known as Sesamoiditis, affects the ball of the foot. Small sesamoid bones that are implanted in the tendons in the ball of the foot might become inflamed at the same time as the tendons. The two tiny sesamoid bones, which are located beneath the big toe joint, act as a lever when the tendons bear weight on the foot's ball. Running, dancing, and walking in high heels are examples of activities that often transfer weight to the ball of the foot and can overstretch these tendons and bones, resulting in pain and inflammation.
What causes Sesamoiditis?
Sesamoid bones are unusual in that they are only attached to tendons, unlike the majority of bones in the body. They move in concert with the tendons and experience the same tension from those movements. There are sesamoid bones in the feet, wrists, and knees, but when we talk about Sesamoiditis, we invariably mean the foot bones. The additional strain from walking-related shock absorption is carried by these bones. Although the tibial sesamoid can also be harmed, the medial sesamoid experiences more of this stress since it is located closer to the center of the foot.
Why does Sesamoiditis occur?
Overuse of the tendons that work with the sesamoid bones in the foot typically results in Sesamoiditis. Over-practicing motions that transfer weight to the ball of the foot causes it in runners, dancers, and athletes. It can simply be acquired by walking in high heels, having very high arches or flat feet, or walking with an inward roll. It may also sporadically be a gout side effect.
How is Sesamoiditis identified?
Your healthcare professional will first ask you about the onset of the discomfort before beginning a physical examination of the foot. Your big toe will be moved in various directions to assess your mobility, and they will gently feel for soreness in the ball of your foot. To mimic the signs of Sesamoiditis, they may employ a procedure known as the passive axial compression test, which involves manipulating the joint in a manner comparable to walking. Imaging examinations may also be used to confirm or rule out specific associated conditions.
In addition to your sesamoiditis, you might also have a stress fracture, a minor bone split brought on by repeated tension. Your doctor might wish to check you for an acute bone fracture or turf toe, an injury to the soft tissue surrounding the sesamoid bones, if they suspect an acute injury. They may try to rule out hallux rigidus, a form of degenerative arthritis that affects the big toe joint, if you have previously suffered an injury to it. The many imaging examinations include X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, bone scans, and ultrasounds.
How can I lower my susceptibility to Sesamoiditis?
- Put on some comfortable DrLuigi medicinal shoes. If you walk a lot, avoid forcing your toes into a small toe box or stressing the ball of your foot with too high heels. If your profession requires you to stand for long periods of time or if you have foot anatomy that makes Sesamoiditis more likely, including high arches or flat feet comfortable footwear is necessary. The big toe joint can be relieved of pressure with the use of DrLuigi medical footwear.
- preventive therapy. In order to reduce inflammation after strenuous exercises when you are aware that you have been straining your feet, follow them with rest, ice, and elevation.