Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition that affects the forefoot when the sesamoid bones suffer an injury, fracture or simply become inflamed.
What are the sesamoid bones of the foot?
They are two small bones wrapped in tendons and located in the anterior area of the sole of the foot, just below the first toe.
The sesamoids act like a pulley, supporting the loads that the forefoot absorbs.
Because they are surrounded by tendons, they can swell with each step the foot takes.
It is a very common injury in young people who perform sports activities such as running, dancing or basketball, these activities usually require jumps that cause direct impacts on the sesamoid bones of the foot.
Patients with cavus feet are more likely to suffer this injury.
Also, sudden movements to which the foot is not accustomed, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, repeated microtrauma and inadequate footwear can lead to sesamoiditis.
The pain of sesamoiditis begins mildly but gradually in the plantar forefoot to the point of preventing walking due to severe pain.
It is important to see a foot specialist or podiatrist when there is any pain or discomfort in the early stages of foot pain or discomfort. The podiatrist can perform a physical examination of the foot along with a study of the footprint and even X-rays or other test to make a diagnosis and propose the best treatment for each patient.
Treatment of sesamoiditis is almost always noninvasive.
In mild-moderate cases of sesamoiditis, rest together with an unloading insole that reduces the pressure on the sesamoids is usually sufficient.
It is always advisable, under medical prescription, to accompany the orthopedic treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs for a few days.
In cases of severe sesamoiditis, foot surgery may be a treatment option.
Symptoms associated with sesamoiditis may include:
- Inability to walk or run normally.
- Severe pain under the big toe.
- Swelling and inflammation in the sesamoid area.
At Clínica San Román, we have extensive experience in sports podiatry as well as in minimally invasive or percutaneous foot surgery for the treatment of bunions and claw or hammer toes.
