Beneath the big toe or hallux joint are a pair of little bones called the sesamoid bones. These seasmoids are embedded in tendon in the same manner that the patella bone is within the front of the knee joint. The function with the sesamoid bones (and also the patella) is thought to be to give the tendons a more effective lever to move the big toe joint. Because these sesamoids are under the big toe joint, these are generally put through a great deal of pressure when walking in addition to actively playing sport. Activities like playing tennis where you must use the great toe joint in order to pivot on applies a whole lot of force to them. In the event that all these loads are far too excessive, it is possible to get a condition termed sesamoiditis where the tiny sesamoid bones and also the tissues around them come to be painful. Wearing much higher heels shoes additionally applies stress over the sesamoid bones and so can having to stand throughout the day at the job, in particular on hard flooring.
The symptoms of sesamoiditis are progressively escalating amounts of pain below the big toe or hallux joint. If you push where these sesamoids are they is often rather uncomfortable. At times the sesamoid bones are very notable since there may be some wasting of the fatty pad. Sometimes, especially if the beginning of pain is sudden there may be a bone fracture of just one or both of the sesamoid bones. There are a number of problems which could affect the large toe joint including gout or arthritis that also ought to be taken into consideration whenever assessing someone with discomfort in this region.
After a sesamoiditis may be identified then sesamoiditis treatment typically starts with some sort of lowering of activities or adjusting them if that is possible. Getting yourself into well shock absorbing and support shoes are another helpful idea. There are adhesive podiatry felts that could be adhered to the foot so you can get force off the painful area. Pads can also be employed on insoles in the shoes. In the long run foot supports with pressure reduction are often beneficial.
