What is sesamoiditis?

sesamoiditis is a medical term used to describe painful inflammation of the sesamoid bones or small bones built into the tendon of the foot and the surrounding areas. The sesamoid bones are placed at the bottom of the foot under a large finger and help when moving the tip. When they become inflamed, there is severe pain and swelling. This condition is common among dancers, runners, athletes who are involved in strenuous physical activity, and women who often wear high -heeled shoes.

The most common symptom of sesamoiditis is the pain around the ball, which begins as a slight pain and gradually deteriorates. If the condition is not treated and physical activity continues, intense feelings of the pulsating may develop. The pain is often impaired by movement and the bottom of the front legs can become swollen and tender. Bruising and redness are usually not present.

Recurrent, excessive pressure on the front is the most common cause of sesamoiditis. Individuals with highly arched legs with more likelyThey develop a condition because they naturally exert more pressure on the foot balls when walking or running. This causes greater stress on the sesamoid bones, resulting in a better chance of irritation or inflammation. The factors also contribute poor flexibility of the calf and inappropriate shoes.

diagnosis of sesamoiditis begins with physical examination of the joint with large finger and surrounding areas. The doctor also evaluates patterns of the patient walking and wear of shoes. In some cases, X -ray, bone scanning or magnetic resonance (MRI) scanning may be required for positive diagnosis.

mild cases of sesamoiditis are treated with a reduction in pressure on the sesamoid bone until the inflammation disappears. Common treatment include resting legs, binding legs with athletic tape, wearing its own orthotics or arching, applying ice to an inflamed area or using anti -inflammatory drugs. The foot can be placed in walking or a crutch can be usede to prevent the patient from stoking the weight on the affected leg. If sesamoiditis is left untreated and physical activity continues, fractures or complete fractures may develop.

In severe cases of sesamoiditis, surgery or steroid injections into an inflamed joint may be necessary. This is a rare last option and is reserved for patients who do not respond to other, less invasive treatment for a long time. Physical therapy may be required after surgery and immobilization to help the patient regain their previous range of movement.