Sesamoiditis
What is Sesamoiditis?
Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of the sesamoid bones which rest in the foot near the base of the toes. These bones act as pulleys when you walk, helping you move your toes and bear the weight of your body. Repeated pressure, tension, or force on the big toe can cause sesamoiditis resulting in pain and decreased mobility.
Causes include:
- Overuse of the sesamoid bones due to frequent bearing of weight on the toes (primarily affects dancers, runners, and athletes)
- Wearing high heels / shoes with little support
- Eating disorders
- Osteoporosis
What does Sesamoiditis feel like?
- Pain under the big toe
- Redness, swelling, and bruising of the ball of one’s feet
- Difficulty walking due to localised pain
- Difficulty bending the big toe
How can Sesamoiditis be managed?
Treatment:
- Physiotherapy to help manage the pain
- Osteopathy
- Chiropractic
- Acupuncture
- Dry needling
- Interferential current
- Laser therapy
- Manual therapy
- Orthotics
