Our team of specialists and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you. Or, for a more comprehensive search of our entire Website, enter your term(s) in the search bar provided.
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Jan. 23, 2012 Relief for Neuromas Dr. Blumfield helps hurting Feet |
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Jul. 11,l 2011 Healing the pain in your feet Podiatry Associates offers treatment options |
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April 18, 2011 Fix your feet Podiatry Associates for Houston |
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Feb. 7, 2011 Fix your feet Podiatry Associates for Houstion |
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Jan. 10, 2011 Podiatry Associates of Houston Dr. Blumfield on removing bunions |
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Dec. 13, 2010 Get back on your feet Podiatry Associates of Houston |
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Nov. 8, 2010 Podiatry Associates on hammer toe Symptom & treatment information |
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Sept. 27, 2010 An easy way to eliminate foot pain Podiatry Associates of Houston |
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Aug. 24, 2010 Podiatry Associates of Houston Walk without the pain |
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Jul. 26, 2010 Repairing your feet Podiatry Associates of Houston |
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Jun. 28, 2010 Podiatry and Shockwave Therapy Podiatry Associates of Houston |
Sesamoids are small bones that are connected only to tendons or are embedded in muscle. This structure appears in only a few places in the human body, one of which is the foot. Two very small sesamoids (about the size of a kernel of corn) are found in the underside of the forefoot near the big toe—one on the outer side of the foot and the other closer to the middle of the foot. Sesamoids provide a smooth surface over which the tendons slide, thus increasing the ability of the tendons to transmit muscle forces. In the foot, sesamoids assist with weight-bearing and help elevate the bones of the big toe.
Like other bones, sesamoids can fracture. Additionally, the tendons surrounding the sesamoids can become irritated or inflamed, which is called sesamoiditis and is a form of tendonitis. Sesamoiditis is a common condition among ballet dancers, runners, and baseball catchers because of the pressures placed on their feet.
Symptoms include:
- Pain under the big toe or on the ball of the foot.
- Swelling and bruising.
- Difficulty and pain in bending and straightening the big toe.
Surgery is usually not required to treat sesamoiditis. Treatments generally include:
- Discontinuation of the activity causing the pain and inflammation.
- Over-the-counter pain medications and anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.
- Icing the sole of the foot.
- Wearing shoes that are soft-soled and low-heeled.
- Using cushioning in shoes to relieve stress.
- Injection of a steroidal medication to reduce swelling.
If symptoms persist, you may need to wear a removable brace on the leg for 4 - 6 weeks to give the inflammation time to subside and the bones to heal.