Podiatrist Offices Conveniently Located In Kenilworth, Bayonne, Little Ferry & Montclair New Jersey

Innovative Foot & Ankle

Footnotes / Blog

Sunday, September 17th, 2017 Elizabeth Anthony

What is a Sesamoid?

A sesamoid is a small bone that is embedded within a tendon or muscle. In the foot, there are two sesamoids located beneath the big toe joint. These bones act as pulleys to help muscles function more efficiently, and they assist in absorbing pressure and load during movement.

Sesamoiditis: Inflammation of the Sesamoid Bones

Sesamoiditis refers to the inflammation of the sesamoid bones beneath the big toe joint. This condition can develop gradually, often caused by repeated stress or pressure on the area.

Symptoms of Sesamoiditis:

  • Pain when moving the big toe up and down, especially during walking or running.
  • Tenderness when pressing on the ball of the foot beneath the big toe joint.
  • Mild to moderate swelling or bruising (though not always present).
  • Discomfort that may worsen with activity, particularly in runners, dancers, and athletes who put excessive stress on the foot.

Sesamoid Fracture or Stress Fracture

In some cases, the sesamoids can fracture or develop stress fractures. A sesamoid fracture typically results from a traumatic event, such as landing heavily on the big toe joint. Stress fractures occur gradually due to repetitive trauma, leading to small fractures that can become quite painful. These are common in athletes, especially runners and dancers who repeatedly stress the bones in the forefoot.

Diagnosis of Sesamoiditis and Fractures

A thorough examination by a podiatrist will help diagnose sesamoid issues. The doctor will assess the painful area by:

  • Locating “pinpoint” pain on the ball of the foot under the big toe joint.
  • Testing the range of motion by moving the toe up and down to check for pain or discomfort.

Imaging is often needed for an accurate diagnosis:

  • X-rays are typically taken to look for any fractures.
  • MRI or bone scans may be used if the fracture is not visible on X-rays, especially in the case of stress fractures.

Treatment Options for Sesamoiditis and Fractures

Treatment for sesamoiditis and fractures will depend on the severity of the condition:

Conservative Treatments:

  • Padding to relieve pressure on the affected area.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling.
  • A short leg walking boot to offload pressure from the joint and allow healing.
  • Steroid injections for pain relief and to reduce inflammation in more severe cases.

Conservative treatments are usually tried for up to 6 months before considering more invasive options.

Surgical Treatment:

If the pain persists despite conservative measures, surgical removal of the sesamoid may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and restore function.

Visit Innovative Foot & Ankle for Sesamoid Pain Relief

If you think you are experiencing pain due to sesamoiditis or a sesamoid fracture, make an appointment with one of the licensed podiatrists at Innovative Foot & Ankle. We have four convenient locations in Montclair, Little Ferry, Kenilworth, and Bayonne, New Jersey. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the best treatment for your foot pain.

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