Sesamoiditis is an inflammatory condition that affects the sesamoid bones located under the big toe joint in the foot. These small, pea-shaped bones are embedded in the tendons and are crucial for weight-bearing and toe movement. Learn more about sesamoiditis.
What Causes Sesamoiditis?
Sesamoiditis typically arises from repetitive stress or overuse, common in activities that exert pressure on the balls of the feet, such as running, ballet, and various sports. It can also occur due to a direct injury, like a fracture of a sesamoid bone.
Treatment for Sesamoiditis
As with many injuries, RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is always a good start, but other treatment options include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation.
- Padding or cushioning in shoes to relieve pressure from the sesamoid bones.
- Orthotic devices to correct biomechanical imbalances
- Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve foot mechanics.
Activity modification is also crucial to avoid exacerbating the condition. Recovery times vary depending on the severity and treatment efficacy, emphasizing the importance of allowing adequate healing time and gradually resuming activities to prevent recurrence.
How Insoles Help With Sesamoiditis
Insoles can help relieve pressure in the foot and alleviate sesamoiditis in the following ways:
- Cushioning under the ball of the foot provides direct pressure relief to the inflamed sesamoid bones, acting as a protective buffer between these small bones and the ground during walking and standing activities.
- A deep heel cup helps maintain proper foot positioning and prevents excessive forward sliding, reducing the amount of pressure placed on the sesamoid bones beneath the first metatarsal head.
- Metatarsal arch support positioned just behind the sesamoid bones helps redistribute weight away from these sensitive structures, allowing them to experience less direct force during movement and supporting healing.
- Custom insoles may allow strategic cutouts or softer materials in the exact location of the sesamoid bones which can create a pressure-free zone, allowing these small bones to move more freely while still maintaining support for the rest of the foot.
- Rigid or semi-rigid support through the midfoot helps control excessive bending of the big toe joint during walking, which in turn reduces the stress placed on the sesamoid bones that help facilitate this movement.
