DEFINITION
Sesamoiditis is a common condition affecting the forefoot, especially in young people who participate in physical activity like running or dancing. It commonly presents as pain under the big toe joint. The term is a general description for any irritation of the sesamoid bones, these are the tiny bones within the tendons that run to the big toe. Every time you push off against the toe the sesamoids are used, and eventually they can become irritated, even fractured. Because the bones are actually within the tendons, sesamoiditis is really a kind of tendinitis – the tendons around the bones become inflamed as well.
CAUSE
Pain usually begins as a mild ache and increases gradually with activity. aggravating activity is continued. In most cases there is little or no bruising or redness. One of the major causes of sesamoiditis is increased activity. You’ve probably increased your activity level lately, which has forced you to put more pressure on the balls of your feet. Speedwork, hill-work, or even increased running distances can cause this. If you have a bony foot, you simply may not have enough fat on your foot to protect your tender sesamoids. Also, if you have a high arched foot, you will naturally run on the balls-of-your-feet, adding even more pressure.
TREATMENT
Treatment is almost always conservative. Minor cases call for a strict period of rest, along with the use of a modified shoe or a shoe pad to reduce pressure on the affected area. This may be accomplished by placing a metatarsal pad that redistributes the pressure of weight bearing to other parts of the forefoot. In addition, the big toe may be bound with tape or athletic strapping to immobilize the joint as much as possible and allow for healing to occur. It is recommended to decrease or stop activity for awhile. This will give your sesamoids time to heal. You should apply ice to the area for 10 to 15 minutes after exercise, or after any activity that aggravates the area. As with icing, anti-inflammatories will help to decrease inflammation so healing can begin. While the injury is healing, women should wear flat shoes on a daily basis.
If home remedies do not work, see your doctor for a correct diagnosis.
Big toe Pain