Sesamoid bone pain
Pain in the sesamoid bones can be an uncomfortable and confusing experience. At the Foot and ankle Clinic, we treat sesamoid disorders of the hallux. Treatment varies depending on the cause of the lesions; it can be medical, functional, or even surgical.
Causes of sesamoid bone pain
Pain in the sesamoid bones of the hallux, or big toe, can be caused by various factors.
Risk factors
Several factors can increase the risk of pain in the sesamoid bones. Among them are intense physical activities such as running, dancing, and soccer, which cause excessive pressure on the forefoot. In addition, wearing shoes unsuitable for sports activities can also contribute to the onset of this pain. Finally, anatomical factors, such as foot shape or the presence of certain medical conditions, can also play a role.
Common causes
The common causes of sesamoid bone pain include :
- Traumatic causes: displaced or non-displaced fractures, turf toe which is a lesion set including injuries associated with sesamoid fractures, and pseudarthrosis corresponding to a failure of bone healing of a sesamoid fracture.
- Microtraumatic causes: Stress fractures, or fatigue fractures, osteonecrosis, and osteochondritis.
- Metatarso-sesamoid osteoarthritis : which can be secondary to a traumatic, microtraumatic, or degenerative cause.
- Chronic inflammatory diseases : these cause global joint involvement, called arthritis, in cases of rheumatoid arthritis for example, but also in the context of spondyloarthropathies and microcrystalline arthritis.
- Infectious diseases: sesamoid osteitis may be secondary, by hematogenous spread, or by direct inoculation in the case of plantar lesions, particularly in diabetic patients.
- Hallux valgus : pronation of the first metatarsal can be very pronounced especially in cases of congenital or juvenile hallux valgus, leading to increased pressure in the metatarso-sesamoid joint, which may potentially cause metatarso-sesamoid osteoarthritis.
Treatments for Sesamoid Bone Pain
The pain of the sesamoids is an unpleasant experience. At La Clinique du Pied we can provide you with functional, medical, and surgical care. Sesamoid involvement in the context of diabetic feet requires hospital-based, multidisciplinary management.
Non-surgical treatments
Non-surgical treatments should be tried first when managing sesamoid bone pain. These methods, which include anti-inflammatory medications, plantar orthotics, and physiotherapy exercises, can often greatly relieve the pain.
Sesamoid bone surgery
In some cases, when non-surgical treatments are not enough to relieve the pain, surgery on the sesamoid bones may be considered. Several procedures can be performed:
- Osteosynthesis of a sesamoid fracture
- Treatment of a sesamoid pseudarthrosis with bone graft
- Thinning of the sesamoid
- Resection of a sesamoid by arthroscopic or open technique
Postoperative rehabilitation
Postoperative rehabilitation is an essential step toward full recovery after sesamoid bone surgery. At La Clinique du Pied, we offer personalized physiotherapy programs to help you regain your strength, mobility, and joint stability.
Suitable shoes for sesamoid bone pain
It is essential to understand that the choice of shoes can play an important role in treating sesamoid bone pain. Indeed, inappropriate shoes can worsen the pain and slow down the healing process. On the other hand, well-chosen shoes can provide noticeable comfort and effectively relieve the foot.
Shoe selection
We recommend that you opt for shoes that offer adequate support, good adaptability to the shape of your foot, and optimal comfort. We can advise you in choosing your shoes.
Orthopedic insoles
Orthopedic insoles for sesamoid bone pain can also be an effective solution. They are designed to evenly distribute weight across the entire foot, thus reducing pressure on the sesamoid bone. A relief dip helps to ease pressure at the sesamoid(s) area. In addition, they can be customized to fit the exact shape of your foot. At the Clinique du Pied, our podiatrist can make your orthopedic insoles.
Conclusion
It is essential to understand sesamoid bone pain, its causes, and its risk factors in order to adopt an effective treatment approach. At La Clinique du Pied, we manage sesamoid pathologies from a functional, medical, and surgical perspective.
Sesamoid injuries in an infectious context are managed in specialized hospital centers, as they require a multidisciplinary approach.