20360 SW Birch St. Ste 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660
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(949) 833-3406
M, T, W, F: 7:30am-5:00pm
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To understand sesamoid injuries in the foot, it’s important to know what sesamoids are. A sesamoid is a bone embedded in a tendon. Sesamoids are found in several joints in the body. In the normal foot, the sesamoids are two relatively flat, oval-shaped bones located in the ball of the foot, beneath the big toe joint.
Acting as a pulley for tendons, the sesamoids help the big toe move normally and provide leverage when the big toe pushes off during movement. The sesamoids also serve as a weightbearing surface for the first metatarsal bone (the long bone connected to the big toe), absorbing the weight placed on the ball of the foot when walking, running and jumping.
Sesamoid injuries can involve the bones, tendons and/or surrounding tissue underneath the joint. They are often associated with activities requiring increased pressure on the ball of the foot, such as running, basketball, football, volleyball, golf, tennis and ballet. People with high arches are at risk for developing sesamoid problems due to focused pressure into the ball of the foot. Frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes can also be a contributing factor.
There are three types of sesamoid injuries in the foot:
In diagnosing a sesamoid injury, the foot and ankle surgeon will examine the foot, focusing on the big toe joint. The surgeon will press on the big toe, move it up and down, and may assess the patient’s walking and evaluate the wear pattern on the patient’s shoes. X-rays are ordered, and in some cases, advanced imaging studies may be ordered.
Nonsurgical treatment for sesamoid injuries of the foot may include one or more of the following options, depending on the type of injury and degree of severity:
When sesamoid injuries fail to respond to nonsurgical treatment, surgery may be required. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine the type of procedure that is best suited to the individual patient
If you think you may be suffering from an injury to the sesamoids or to the big toe joint, do not hesitate to call us (949) 833-3406 or request an appointment online. Our doctors are well-versed in this condition and can develop an effective treatment course to get you back in action as soon as possible.
20360 SW Birch Street, Suite 100 Newport Beach, CA 92660
M,T,W,F 7:30 am- 5:00 pm
Thursday closed
Phone: +1 (949) 833-3406
Fax: +1 (949) 833-9955
Email: info@cafai.com