Below the big toe or hallux joint are a couple of little bones referred to as the sesamoid bones. These bones are a part of the tendons in the same way which the knee cap bone is with the front of the knee. The functionality of these sesamoid bones (and also the patella) would be to allow the tendons a much more powerful lever to move the great toe joint. As these sesamoids are below the great toe joint, these are generally put through a considerable amount of force when walking and taking part in sporting activity. Sports activities such as tennis games in which you require to use the big toe joint to be able to pivot on puts an enormous amount of force to them. In the event that all these loads tend to be too excessive, you could get a problem known as sesamoiditis in which the little sesamoid bones and also the structures about them come to be inflammed. Using larger heels shoes in addition places stress around the sesamoid bone and so does needing to stand all day at the job, especially on hard floors.
The symptoms of sesamoiditis are generally slowly escalating levels of discomfort under the big toe or hallux joint. If you poke at exactly where these sesamoid bones are they can be quite uncomfortable. Sometimes the sesamoid bones have become notable since there has been some wasting of the fatty pad. On occasion, especially if the onset of pain can be sudden there might be a fracture of one or both of the sesamoid bones. There are a variety of problems that can affect the big toe joint such as gouty arthritis or osteoarthritis which also must be taken into account whenever evaluating a person with pain under the big toe.
Once a sesamoiditis may be identified then sesamoiditis treatment generally gets underway with some type of reduction in activities or adjusting them if that's achievable. Getting into well padded and cushioned footwear is also a helpful idea. There are adhesive podiatry felts that can be stuck on the foot so you can get pressure from the uncomfortable region. Pads can also be used on inserts in the footwear. Over the long term foot orthotics having pressure reduction tend to be beneficial.
