Salt Lake City Sesamoiditis

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Are you experience a dull pain beneath the joint of your big toe that comes and goes but that can persist for a long time? This may be caused by sesamoiditis.  Sesamoiditis is one of many causes of foot pain treated by Salt Lake City podiatrist Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM.  Dr. Auger can diagnose your injury and provide the treatment you need to get on the road to recovery.

What is Sesamoiditis in Salt Lake City?

A sesamoid is a bone that is embedded inside of a tendon. There are a few different joints throughout the body where sesamoids are located, including in the ball of the foot below the joint of the big toe. The sesamoids facilitate the movement of the big toe by providing leverage for the toe to push off and by serving as a pulley to move the tendons.

Unfortunately, as a result of overuse and/or pressure on the sesamoids in the foot, chronic inflammation of the sesamoid bones and surrounding tendons can occur.  This chronic inflammation is called sesamoiditis.

Symptoms of Sesamoiditis

The most common symptom of sesamoiditis is a dull pain below the joint of the big toe. This pain may be worse when you engage in certain activities or may be worse if you are wearing certain footwear. The pain may be intermittent but is usually longstanding when it occurs.

How Does Dr. Auger Treat Salt Lake City Sesamoiditis?

Before sesamoiditis can be treated, it must be diagnosed. Dr. Auger will examine your foot, with a special focus on the joint of the big toe. You may be evaluated when walking and Dr. Auger may look at your shoes to assess wear patterns. Your toe may also be moved and pressure will be applied to it.  In many cases, X-rays and other imaging tests are also necessary for a conclusive diagnosis.

Once you have been diagnosed, Dr. Auger will discuss treatment options with you. Conservative treatments may include taping; padding; cushioning the inflamed area; the use of a cast to immobilize the area; and physical therapy. Orthotics are often recommended, and you may be given steroid injections or pain medications.  If your sesamoid injury does not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be needed.

Contact Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM Today

If you are experiencing pain in the toe or foot, Dr. Auger is here to help. Dr. Auger has treated many patients in Salt Lake City with 3 locations in West Jordan, Millcreek, and Sandy. Call Dr. Auger today at (801) 619-2170 to find out what an experienced foot doctor can do for you.