Sesamoiditis

What Is Sesamoiditis?

Sesamoiditis is a painful inflammation of the sesamoid bones, which are two small bones located under the ball of the foot near the big toe. These bones help absorb weight-bearing pressure and assist with movement. When inflamed, they can cause significant discomfort and make walking or physical activity challenging.

Symptoms of sesamoiditis include:

Pain under the ball of the foot, especially near the big toe.

Swelling or tenderness in the affected area.

Difficulty bending or extending the big toe.

Pain that worsens during physical activity or when wearing high heels.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is often caused by repetitive stress or overuse. Common causes include:

High-Impact Activities: Running, jumping, or other activities that put pressure on the ball of the foot.

Improper Footwear: Wearing high heels or shoes with insufficient cushioning.

Biomechanical Issues: High arches or abnormal gait patterns that increase stress on the sesamoid bones.

Occupational Strain: Jobs that require prolonged standing or repetitive foot movements.

How JS Podiatry Treats Sesamoiditis

At JS Podiatry, we offer effective treatments to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and restore foot function. Our approach includes:

Custom Orthotics: Providing cushioning and redistributing pressure to relieve strain on the sesamoid bones.

Padding and Offloading: Using specialised padding to reduce pressure on the affected area.

Shockwave Therapy: Stimulating healing and reducing pain in chronic cases.

Stretching and Strengthening Programs: Tailored exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

Prolotherapy: Stimulating tissue repair for long-term relief in persistent cases.

Footwear Advice: Recommending supportive, cushioned footwear to prevent further strain.

Why Choose JS Podiatry for Sesamoiditis Treatment?

Experienced Podiatrists: Our team specialises in treating foot pain and conditions like sesamoiditis.

Advanced Therapies: We use cutting-edge treatments, including shockwave therapy and custom orthotics, for effective results.

Holistic Care: We focus on addressing the root cause of your condition to prevent recurrence.

Accredited Clinic: We accept Medicare, DVA referrals, and offer private health fund rebates via HICAPS.

Convenient Location: Visit us at 14 Wickham Street, East Perth, WA, for expert podiatry care.

Preventing Sesamoiditis

To reduce the risk of sesamoiditis, we recommend:

Wearing proper footwear with adequate cushioning and support.

Avoiding high-impact activities or gradually increasing their intensity.

Incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine.

Using orthotics or padding to reduce pressure on the ball of the foot.

Book Your Appointment Today

Don’t let sesamoiditis disrupt your daily activities. Contact JS Podiatry for expert care and effective treatment to relieve pain and restore mobility.

FAQs:

  • Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe joint. These small bones play a crucial role in weight-bearing and movement, and their inflammation can lead to pain and difficulty in foot function.

  • Common causes include repetitive stress from activities like running or dancing, wearing high heels or poorly fitting shoes, foot structure abnormalities such as high arches or flat feet, and occupations requiring prolonged standing.

  • Symptoms often include pain under the ball of the foot, swelling, bruising, difficulty bending or straightening the big toe, and pain that worsens with activity.

  • Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, assessment of symptoms, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to rule out fractures or other conditions.

  • Treatment options may include rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medications, custom orthotics, padding to offload pressure, physical therapy, shockwave therapy, and in severe cases, injection therapy or surgery.

  • Prevention strategies include wearing supportive footwear, avoiding high heels, gradually increasing activity levels, and addressing any foot structure abnormalities with appropriate interventions.

  • If you experience persistent pain under the big toe joint, swelling, or difficulty in foot movement, it's advisable to consult a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan.