Do You Have Sesamoiditis?

That nagging pain directly under the big toe joint, especially when you push off the ground, might be more than just a passing ache. It could be sesamoiditis, which is a common condition that affects two small, pea-shaped bones located in the ball of your foot. In this article, we at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists are here to tell you what these bones are and why they can become painful.

What is Sesamoiditis?

Sesamoid bones are unique because, unlike most bones, they are not connected to other bones by joints. Instead, they are embedded within tendons.

In the foot, there are two sesamoid bones located underneath the head of the first metatarsal bone, which connects to your big toe. Their primary functions are to act as a lever for the tendon that helps you bend the big toe, absorb force as you walk and run, and help distribute weight away from the metatarsal.

Simply put, sesamoiditis occurs when these bones or the tendons surrounding them become inflamed due to repetitive stress.

Symptoms of Sesamoiditis

The hallmark symptom? Pain is directly under the big toe joint. This pain is typically gradual in the beginning and often described as a dull throbbing or persistent ache. It also usually worsens whenever you put pressure on it, so when standing, walking, running, or pushing off the ground is involved.

That’s why wearing high heels or thin-soled shoes can make your sesamoiditis worse, but the pain usually improves with rest or when the weight is taken off the foot.

In some cases, people may even notice localized swelling or bruising around the big toe joint and have trouble bending the big toe.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

So, how do people get it? Sesamoiditis is primarily an overuse injury that results from chronic or repetitive stress placed on the sesamoid bones. And there are many factors that lead to it, such as:

• Repetitive Stress and High-Impact Activities: Athletes, particularly runners, ballet dancers, and basketball players, are highly susceptible. The push-off and landing motions required for these put a lot of pressure on the sesamoid bones.
• Inappropriate Shoes: Wearing high heels shifts body weight onto the balls of the feet, whereas rigid-soled shoes, shoes lacking adequate cushioning in the forefoot, or any other shoes with a narrow toe box can all increase pressure and friction on this area.
• Lack of Training Progression: Rapidly increasing training mileage, intensity, or the duration of weight-bearing activities without proper conditioning can overload the sesamoid bones.
• Foot Structure: Certain foot types, such as those with a high arch that concentrates pressure under the ball of the foot or those with a prominent first metatarsal bone, can expose you to sesamoiditis.
• Hard Surfaces: Frequently running or walking on hard, unforgiving surfaces like concrete can increase the impact forces absorbed by the sesamoids.

For any podiatric concerns you’re facing, come see Dr. Hubert Lee and the team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists for guidance and advice. You can schedule an appointment online or call today at 425-455-0936.