What You Need to Know About Sesamoids

Despite their small size, sesamoids can cause significant pain and discomfort when injured or inflamed. In this blog post, Goldsmith Podiatry explores everything you need to know about sesamoids, from their function and location to common injuries and treatment options, helping you maintain optimal foot health and mobility.

What Are Sesamoids?

Sesamoids are unique bones located within certain tendons. They act as pulleys to provide leverage and reduce friction, enabling smooth movement of the adjacent joints. Sesamoids help bear weight, absorb shock, and facilitate push-off during walking and running.

Common Sesamoid Injuries:

  • Sesamoiditis: Inflammation of the sesamoid bones and surrounding tissues.

  • Sesamoid Fractures: Breaks or cracks in the sesamoid bones.

  • Sesamoid Dislocation: Displacement of the sesamoid bones from their normal position within the tendons, usually caused by a sudden twisting or bending motion of the toe.

Symptoms of Sesamoid Injuries:

  • Pain or tenderness beneath the big toe joint, particularly with weight-bearing activities or toe movement.

  • Swelling, redness, or bruising around the affected area.

  • Difficulty bending or straightening the big toe, especially in cases of sesamoid dislocation or fracture.

  • Limited range of motion in the foot.

Treatment Options:

  • Avoid activities that aggravate symptoms and allow the foot to rest and heal.

  • Apply ice packs to the affected area to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling.

  • Use supportive padding or taping techniques to offload pressure from the sesamoid bones and provide cushioning.

  • Receive corticosteroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to reduce inflammation and promote healing in stubborn cases.

Preventive Measures:

  • Wear supportive footwear with cushioned insoles and good arch support to reduce pressure on the forefoot.

  • Gradually increase the intensity and duration of physical activity to avoid overuse injuries.

  • Perform stretching and strengthening exercises to improve foot flexibility, strength, and range of motion.

  • Seek prompt medical attention for any foot pain or discomfort that persists despite rest and self-care measures.

Don't let sesamoid injuries sideline you—empower yourself with knowledge and take proactive steps to protect your feet! If you're experiencing symptoms of a sesamoid injury or have concerns about your foot health, call (212) 877 1002 so Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina T. Ruff at Goldsmith Podiatry can make sure you and your feet are worry-free all summer long.

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