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Sesamoiditis Causes Pain in the Ball of Your Foot

The sesamoid bones in the foot are two very small, free-floating bones in the ball of the foot that absorb considerable pressure during walking, running, sporting activities, and even while just standing in one place. When they get overly stressed, the considerable pain and discomfort are called sesamoiditis. Other conditions that have similar symptoms include neuroma and metatarsal syndrome, so be certain to see your podiatrist for the proper treatment.

Treatments for sesamoiditis consist of the following:

  • Rest and ice the ball of the foot—Resting and icing will reduce swelling and pain.
  • Wear the right shoes—Wear shoes with a wide toe box, low heel cup, and soft soles to reduce and redirect stress and pressure away from the sesamoids.
  • Medications—Steroids can be injected to provide relief, but they may cause side effects that you should discuss with your doctor.
  • Custom orthotics—Properly placed orthotic inserts are used to direct pressure away from the sesamoid bones so they can heal.
  • Surgery—For sesamoiditis that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary to decrease stress on the sesamoid bones.

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort in the ball of your foot, see your foot doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown, PA. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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