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The FootWorks Store, Columbus, Ohio

Providing the highest quality products, service, and knowledge for our customers' specific foot needs.

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    • Sesamoiditis
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Sesamoiditis

Definition

Sesamoiditis is a common ailment that affects the forefoot, typically in young people who engage in physical activity like running or dancing. Its most common symptom is pain in the ball-of-the-foot, especially on the medial or inner side. The term is a general description for any irritation of the sesamoid bones, which are tiny bones within the tendons that run to the big toe. Like the kneecap, the sesamoids function as a pulley, increasing the leverage of the tendons controlling the toe. Every time you push off against the toe the sesamoids are involved, and eventually they can become irritated, even fractured. Because the bones are actually within the tendons, sesamoiditis is really a kind of tendinitis – the tendons around the bones become inflamed as well.

Cause

Sesamoiditis typically can be distinguished from other forefoot conditions by its gradual onset. The pain usually begins as a mild ache and increases gradually as the aggravating activity is continued. It may build to an intense throbbing. In most cases there is little or no bruising or redness. One of the major causes of sesamoiditis is increased activity. You’ve probably stepped up your activity level lately, which has forced you to put more pressure on the balls of your feet. Speedwork, hillwork, or even increased mileage can cause this. If you have a bony foot, you simply may not have enough fat on your foot to protect your tender sesamoids. Also, if you have a high arched foot, you will naturally run on the balls-of-your-feet, adding even more pressure.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for sesamoiditis is almost always noninvasive. Minor cases call for a strict period of rest, along with the use of a modified shoe or a shoe pad to reduce pressure on the affected area. This may be accomplished by placing a metatarsal pad away from the joint so that it redistributes the pressure of weight bearing to other parts of the forefoot. In addition, the big toe may be bound with tape or athletic strapping to immobilize the joint as much as possible and allow for healing to occur. It is recommended to decrease or stop activity for awhile. This will give your sesamoids time to heal. You should apply ice to the area for 10 to 15 minutes after exercise, or after any activity that aggravates the area. As with icing, anti-inflammatories will help the swelling go down so healing can begin. While the injury is healing, women should wear flat shoes on a daily basis. If home remedies do not work, see your doctor for a correct diagnosis.

Back to List of Foot Conditions

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Product Information

 Our store specializes in sizing and fitting shoes to your feet. We carry a large number of brands of comfort shoes, in all of those hard to fit sizes.

New Balance, Brooks, Saucony, Finn Comfort and Naot are JUST A FEW Name brands that we carry. The FootWorks Store also carries new lines of shoes from Drew shoes and Orthofeet. These shoes address diabetic, arthritic and hard to fit feet.

Customer Satisfaction Policies

We are here to help! We will stand behind our products and services. If there ever is any issue with our products or service, we will do our best to fix it and make it right!

Appointments Preferred

Appointments are strongly preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

Local: 614-367-1510
Toll-Free: 1-800-515-1640

Our Location

1302 Hill Road North
Pickerington, Ohio 43147

Directions:
We are conveniently located on State Route 256 (Hill Road) in Pickerington, OH, 1 mile south of Interstate 70 on the East side of the street. Turn left at the 5th stop light from I-70, across from Huntington Bank and Kohls.

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HOURS:

Appointments Strongly Preferred
Walk-ins Welcome

Monday - Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday - Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday Closed

Directions

 

LOCATION:

The FootWorks Store Inc.
1302 Hill Rd. N
Pickerington, OH 43147-8986
Toll Free: 1-800-515-1640
Phone: 614-367-1510
Fax: 614-367-1246
info@thefootworksstore.com

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