At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we’ve seen rising temperatures in Middlesex county. If you’ve been inspired to get outside and get active and you’ve now begun to feel pain in the ball of your foot, you may have aggravated your sesamoids. These tiny bones (about the size of a corn kernel) are located on the bottom of your forefoot near your big toe. Sesamoids are connected to tendons or embedded in muscle. They are a unique structure found in only a few places in your body. For your foot, the sesamoids provide a smooth surface that facilitates the sliding of the tendons that transmit muscle force and help you elevate your big toe when you walk. Although these bones are small, they can cause significant pain when they become inflamed.

Protecting Your Sesamoids

The source of sesamoid problems is pressure and overuse. Like other bones, sesamoids can fracture. More often, however, is that the tendons surrounding the sesamoids become inflamed and irritated, causing a form of tendonitis known as sesamoiditis. This condition is common in runners, baseball catchers, dancers, and anyone whose fitness activities focus pressure on the ball of the foot.

If you’ve aggravated your sesamoids, in addition to the pain, you may notice swelling or bruising and difficulty bending and straightening your big toe. Fortunately, sesamoid discomfort usually responds to conservative treatment methods. The first step is having your foot examined by our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. If sesamoiditis is confirmed, the foot doctor will want you to rest from activities that cause the pain. He may recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and icing the sole of your foot to relieve pain. Once the inflammation subsides, wearing shoes that have low heeled and soft-soled, along with extra cushioning in your shoes may help prevent future sesamoid problems.

If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms in the ball of your foot, our Cromwell office for an appointment by calling: (860) 632-5499.