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Forum Name: Miscellaneous Orthopedic Topics

Question: Sesamoiditis

tthoney - Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:03 pm

I am a 28 year old active female. I had surgery to remove a sesamoid bone from one of my feet 2 years ago. Is it possible to have the same thing happen in the other foot because I am having the same pains now in the other one. Is this common? Thanks

Dr. Paula Fontaine - Wed Jan 24, 2007 11:30 pm

Hello tthoney- You can definitely get sesamoiditis in both feet. This problem can occur as a result of activity or job which causes undue stress on the ball of the foot. Examples of this might be ballet or a job requiring many hours of squatting while on the balls of the feet. It can also occur in patients who have very high arched feet since often these patients have excessive pressures on the balls of their feet (and heels) just during normal ambulation. I would be sure you have the foot xrayed to be certain the sesamoid is not fractured. If there is no fracture but the area has become inflammed and irritated, a non-surgical approach to treatment might involve special pads (called Dancer's pads) worn short (or long) term to reduce pressure under the sesamoid bones. Also icing the area can help reduce pain and inflammation. A short course of oral antiiflammatory medication prescribed by your doctor in conjuction with the icing and pads may reduce or even eliminate your sesamoid pain withour surgery. Good luck.

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