Sesamoiditis Treatment
Professional Sesamoiditis Support
As experienced podiatrists, we understand how Sesamoiditis can impact your day-to-day life. Leaving you with pain, discomfort and left untreated can spread to other parts of your body.
That’s why here at Podocare Podiatry we are dedicated to providing expert care and comprehensive treatments to help you get back on your feet, without pain. Learn about our range of Sesamoiditis treatments across Wakefield, Batley and Sheffield, by getting in touch today.
What is Sesamoiditis?
Sesamoiditis occurs when there is a direct injury or too much pressure on the sesamoids causing inflammation. The sesamoids are two small bones which sit beneath the big toe joint and protect the tendons when we walk. They also stabilise the inside of the foot as we push off into the next step.
The top surface of the sesamoids is covered in cartilage as they form part of the big toe joint. If this cartilage becomes damaged it can cause arthritis.
What Happens if Sesamoiditis is Left Untreated?
Walking can become painful if Sesamoiditis is left untreated. Due to the pain patients may change their gait to avoid excess pressure on the big toe.
Long term changes to your gait can cause problems with the rest of your feet, your knees, your hips and your back.
What Causes Sesamoiditis?
Generally, a direct injury or overuse during sport causes sesamoiditis. However, patients with a low arch or high-arched foot, or a prominent joint can be predisposed to sesamoid damage/injury.
Incorrectly fitting shoes or shoes with a higher heel can all increase stress to the sesamoid area. Some patients have enlarged sesamoids which can predispose to Sesamoiditis.
What Self-Care Can Help Sesamoiditis?
Alongside treatment options designed to reduce pressure on the sesamoids, there are several things that you can do at home to alleviate any pain and discomfort you may be feeling.
1. Rest
Rest can be a great help when dealing with the symptoms of Sesamoiditis. Halting high-impact activities, and in severe cases, wearing walking boots or crutches may be required to offload weight entirely.
2. Reduce Inflammation
Resting in addition to icing the area and taking NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen can allow the inflammation to subside. To effectively reduce inflammation, wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply for 15 to 20 minutes two to three times a day.
3. Supportive Footwear
Wear well-cushioned shoes with arch support. Avoid shoes with poor arch support such as high-heels, flip flops and stiff, unsupportive soles.
4. Stretching
Stretching and strengthening exercises can restore your toe’s range of motion and reduce pressure on the ball of the foot. Helpful exercises include calf stretches, toe extensions, towel scrunches and big toe curls.
How We Treat Sesamoiditis
Our treatments are aimed at reducing pressure on the sesamoids and may include stretches, strapping, changing footwear, orthotics and in difficult cases night splints are very effective.
Orthotics & Insoles
Custom functional orthotics, if properly prescribed and fitted, will dramatically reduce pressure on the sesamoids – leading to decreased pain and less chance of the pain returning.
Orthotics for Sesamoiditis are prescribed specifically to help take weight off of the painful sesamoid and to distribute the force onto the arch or onto the non-painful metatarsal heads. This requires an orthotic that conforms extremely close to the arch of your foot.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy can be used in more severe and persistent cases. High-energy soundwaves are used to stimulate healing in the soft tissues and tendons surrounding the bone.
K-Laser Therapy
K-Laser therapy is a non-invasive, painless procedure that directs specific wavelengths of light into tissue. For Sesamoiditis, this reduces inflammation by stimulating healing, increasing blood flow, and boosting energy to those cells.
You’re welcome to browse our pricing page to learn more about our treatment options before booking an appointment.
Why Choose Podocare for Sesamoiditis Treatment?
- Expert Podiatrists: Our team has extensive experience in treating Sesamoiditis from acute to chronic cases.
- Personalised Treatments: We tailor every treatment to your individual situation and needs.
- Comprehensive Aftercare: From the initial assessment to full recovery, we support you every step of the way.
- Convenience: We have clinics in Wakefield, Batley and Sheffield, also offering home visits for patients who are unable to attend the clinic.
Book Your Appointment for Sesamoiditis Today in Wakefield, Batley or Sheffield
Whether you need a consultation and physical therapy advice, or a permanent solution through our treatment options, Podocare is here to help. Contact us or book your consultation online to make the first step towards pain-free feet today.
Sesamoiditis FAQs
Where is sesamoiditis pain located?
Pain occurs directly under the ball of the foot, right behind the big toe joint. It often feels like a dull ache or sharp pain when pushing off the toes while walking or running.
What causes sesamoiditis?
It is an overuse injury caused by repetitive stress on the two tiny bones (sesamoids) embedded in the tendons beneath the big toe. It is common in runners, dancers, and people who frequently wear high heels.
How is sesamoiditis treated by a podiatrist?
Treatments include offloading padding, custom orthotics with a cut-out under the first metatarsal head, rest, immobilisation taping, and footwear with supportive, stiff soles.