Underneath the great toe or hallux joint are two small bones known as the sesamoid bones. These sesamoid bones are embedded in tendons just like the knee cap bone is within the front of the knee. The purpose of the sesamoid bones (as well as the patella) would be to give the tendons a far more powerful lever to move the great toe joint. Since these sesamoids are beneath the great toe joint, they may be confronted with lots of pressure when walking and also playing sporting activity. Sports similar to playing tennis in which you must use the big toe joint to be able to pivot on places a whole lot of force on them. In the event that these types of pressures are far too high, you can end up with a disorder called sesamoiditis where these small bones and also the structures around them come to be inflammed. Putting on higher heels shoes in addition applies force on the sesamoid bones and so can being required to stand all day at work, particularly on hard floors.
The signs and symptoms of sesamoiditis are usually progressively escalating levels of pain under the great toe or hallux joint. If you palpate where these sesamoids are they is often rather painful. In some cases the sesamoids are very notable since there may be some atrophy of the fatty protection. Occasionally, especially if the oncoming of pain can be acute there may be a bone fracture of one or both of the bones. There are a number of problems that may affect the large toe joint including gout pain or arthritis that also really should be taken into account when evaluating someone with pain in this region.
Once a sesamoiditis has been diagnosed then sesamoiditis treatment typically gets underway with some type of lowering of activities or changing them if that's possible. Getting into well shock absorbing and cushioned shoes are another beneficial plan. There are adhesive podiatry felts which can be adhered to the foot so you can get force away from the uncomfortable area. Pads could also be employed on inserts within the footwear. In the long run foot supports with pressure relief tend to be beneficial.
