Sesamoiditis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments in Seattle, WA

There are two small bones at the base of the big toe that are commonly broken.  This is common in Downtown Seattle where patients walk around on concrete in flexible shoes such as flats or heels, or from extended activities in bad shoes.  It is important to have the foot examined and x-rayed if you have pain in the ball of the feet, especially if accompanied by redness, swelling or bruising.  If it is a broken bone that is healed apart without treatment, or if there were two bones that developed as you were growing up where there should be only one, the two little bone fragments could cause ongoing nagging pain.

Quick Answer

Sesamoiditis is a painful foot condition characterized by inflammation of the two small sesamoid bones and surrounding tendons located at the base of the big toe. It commonly arises from a sudden increase in physical activity involving running and jumping, or from walking on hard surfaces in flexible shoes, which is frequently observed in areas like Downtown Seattle. Foot structure, such as having smaller, bonier feet or high arches, can also increase an individual's susceptibility to developing this condition.

If you experience pain under the ball of your foot, you may have a condition that is referred to as sesamoiditis. There are small bones that exist within the sole of the foot, and a possible injury can cause inflammation to the tendons that connect the big toe to these bones. If this should happen, common symptoms may include pain being present while walking and running, in addition to experiencing difficulty standing on tiptoes. The skin typically does not show any signs of being swollen or red because the injured bones and tendons are deep within the foot. It generally stems from beginning any new activity that may involve running and jumping, typically indicative of a new sport. If you feel you are suffering from this ailment, it’s suggested that resting the foot by reducing the activity will be beneficial in promoting healing. Please consider a consultation with Dr. John Hoy of Seattle Foot and Ankle Center for more information about sesamoiditis.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact . Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with our office in Seattle, Washington to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

Sesamoiditis

The cause of sesamoiditis is sudden increase in activity. The ball of your foot acts as a springboard to help you lift off when you are jogging or running. Sudden increase in the use of these bones or the tendon that controls them can cause irritation. The tendon then begins to develop inflammation and the joint begins to swell. People with smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch are typically more susceptible to this condition.

Sesamoiditis is fairly simple to diagnose since the symptoms have a gradual onset rather than a sudden impact. The symptoms begin with slight irritation around the joint shortly after the increase in activity. The discomfort eventually turns to pain with light swelling and possibly redness. Although redness or bruising are rare, this may be a symptom. After each session of exercising, the aggravated joint becomes more irritated and increases into a very intense throbbing.

Treatment for sesamoiditis can vary depending on the severity of the situation. However, treatment is almost always approached in a noninvasive way. For a case that is just beginning the doctor may recommend a very strict rest period that will limit the activity allowed on the joint. If you must be active, a recommendation for as modified shoe or insole, along with bandaging and immobilizing the big toe will be made to ensure that pressure is not placed on the joint. For severe cases, it is typically recommended that the joint and the big toe be completely immobilized to allow adequate time to heal. Ice and an over the counter anti-inflammatory may can help with the pain and discomfort while you are at rest.

When you return to your regular exercise activities, it is recommended that you use an insole that will allow even distribution of impact to your entire foot, rather than just the balls of your foot. This will prevent further aggravation of the injury.

In pain?  Don’t wait.  Early treatment leads to faster recovery.  Urgent appointments available.  Read about Conditions We Treat.  Request an Appointment online.  Call: 206-682-8741 or Contact Us.  If you like our content, please link it to your website and Collaborate With Us.  Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is sesamoiditis and what are its common symptoms?

Sesamoiditis is a condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet, specifically involving inflammation of the tendons that connect the big toe to small bones within the sole. Common symptoms include pain while walking and running, in addition to experiencing difficulty standing on tiptoes. The skin typically does not show signs of swelling or redness because the injured bones and tendons are deep within the foot.

2 What typically causes sesamoiditis?

Sesamoiditis generally stems from beginning any new activity that may involve running and jumping, often indicative of a new sport. It can also be caused by overuse or extended activities in poor footwear, such as walking on concrete in flexible shoes like flats or heels, which is common in Downtown Seattle.

3 When should I seek medical attention for pain under the ball of my foot?

If you experience pain under the ball of your foot, especially if accompanied by redness, swelling, or bruising, it is important to have the foot examined and x-rayed. Consulting with Dr. John Hoy at Seattle Foot and Ankle Center can help determine if you have sesamoiditis or another condition requiring treatment.

4 What are the initial treatment recommendations for sesamoiditis?

Initial treatment for sesamoiditis typically involves resting the foot by reducing the activity that caused the pain, which can be beneficial in promoting healing. For more information about sesamoiditis and comprehensive treatment options, a consultation with Dr. John Hoy is suggested.