Sesamoid injuries can cause significant complications that restrict movement and lead to frustration. However, they don’t have to define your life. Imagine a future where you’ve overcome your sesamoid injury and enjoy full freedom to engage in your favorite activities. Our medical experts at New Jersey Foot Surgeons conduct a comprehensive assessment of your needs and utilize advanced surgical techniques to develop an optimal treatment plan for your feet.
Schedule an appointment with us by calling our customer service number at (732)-320-9173. Don’t let sesamoid injuries worsen; our specialists are here to help you restore the strength and function of your toes.
Understanding Sesamoid Injuries
Sesamoid bones are small, round bones embedded within tendons. In the foot, the sesamoid bones are located under the ball of the foot, near the big toe. These bones play a crucial role in weight-bearing and the mechanics of walking, acting as a pulley for tendons to increase their leverage and facilitating smooth toe movement. Due to their location and function, they are susceptible to injury, which can lead to significant pain and mobility issues.
Causes of Sesamoid Injuries
Sesamoid injuries can arise from various causes, including:
- Repetitive Stress: Activities that place excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, such as running, dancing, basketball, tennis, and other high-impact sports, can lead to sesamoid injuries. The constant strain can result in inflammation or fractures of the sesamoid bones over time.
- Trauma: Direct trauma to the foot, such as dropping a heavy object, a fall, or landing awkwardly from a jump, can cause fractures or inflammation in the sesamoid bones. Even a single significant impact can damage these small but crucial bones.
- Footwear: Wearing high heels or shoes with inadequate support can increase the risk of sesamoid injuries. Shoes that force the ball of the foot to bear an excessive amount of body weight or lack proper cushioning can contribute to the development of these injuries.
- Foot Structure: Certain foot structures, like high arches (pes cavus) or flat feet (pes planus), can predispose individuals to sesamoid problems. People with high arches may place more stress on the ball of the foot, while those with flat feet might experience uneven weight distribution, both leading to sesamoid strain.
Symptoms of Sesamoid Injuries
Recognizing the symptoms of sesamoid injuries is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Pain under the big toe: This pain is often exacerbated by movement, particularly activities that involve pushing off with the toe, such as walking, running, or jumping.
- Swelling and bruising: The ball of the foot may become swollen and bruised, indicating inflammation or trauma to the sesamoid bones.
- Difficulty bending and straightening the big toe: The range of motion can be limited due to pain and swelling, making it challenging to move the toe normally.
- A feeling of a “pop” or “snap”: In the case of a fracture, patients may feel a sudden “pop” or “snap” at the time of injury, followed by acute pain and swelling.
Diagnosis of Sesamoid Injuries
At our clinic, we utilize a comprehensive diagnostic approach to accurately identify sesamoid injuries. Our diagnostic process includes:
- Physical Examination: A thorough examination of the foot is performed to check for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion. The doctor will palpate the sesamoid bones to identify areas of pain and assess the foot’s overall condition.
- Imaging Tests: To visualize the sesamoid bones and surrounding structures, we use advanced imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. X-rays can reveal fractures or misalignments, while MRI and CT scans provide detailed images of soft tissues, helping to identify inflammation, tendon involvement, or other abnormalities.
- Medical History: A detailed review of the patient’s medical history and any previous foot injuries is essential to understand the context and potential contributing factors. This includes discussing the patient’s activity level, footwear choices, and any previous treatments for foot-related issues.
Surgical Treatments for Sesamoid Injuries
When non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. At New Jersey Foot Surgeons, our experienced surgeons are skilled in various surgical techniques for sesamoid injuries, ensuring personalized and effective care. Here are some of the advanced surgical options we offer:
Sesamoidectomy
A sesamoidectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of one or both sesamoid bones. This option is typically considered when conservative treatments fail to alleviate pain and significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. Indications for this procedure include persistent pain, chronic inflammation, or sesamoid fractures that do not heal with non-surgical treatments. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision over the affected sesamoid bone, carefully removes the bone, and addresses any surrounding tissue damage.
The incision is then closed with sutures. Recovery involves wearing a surgical shoe or cast for a few weeks to protect the foot and facilitate healing. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and flexibility.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is performed when a sesamoid bone fracture does not heal properly, leading to non-union or delayed union. This procedure helps promote bone healing and restore normal function. Indications for bone grafting include non-healing fractures, bone defects, or non-union of the sesamoid bones. The surgeon harvests bone graft material from the patient (autograft) or a donor (allograft) and places it at the fracture site to stimulate new bone growth and enhance healing.
After the surgery, patients may need to limit their weight-bearing activities and use crutches or a walker. Follow-up appointments and imaging tests monitor the healing process, ensuring the graft is integrating well and the bone is healing as expected.
Tendon Repair
Sesamoid injuries can sometimes be associated with tendon damage, necessitating surgical repair to restore normal function and reduce pain. Indications for tendon repair include tendon tears, chronic tendonitis, or tendon damage associated with sesamoid injuries. The surgeon makes an incision to access the damaged tendon, removes any damaged tissue, and sutures the tendon back together. In some cases, a tendon transfer or graft may be necessary to reinforce the repair. Recovery from tendon repair surgery typically requires a period of immobilization followed by physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and function. Patients are advised to gradually resume activities under medical supervision, ensuring a safe and effective return to their normal routines.
Conclusion
Sesamoid injuries can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. However, with the right diagnosis and treatment, you can achieve effective pain relief and a full recovery. If you are experiencing foot pain or suspect a sesamoid injury, contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward recovery. Call us at (732)-320-9173 to speak with our specialists and begin your journey to better foot health.
