What is the Sesamoid Injury?
The Sesamoid Injury is a common condition that affects the sesamoids, which are found in the tendon of the big toe. These bones are important for the stability and movement of the big toe, and an injury to them can be very painful and disabling.
Definition
The sesamoideos are two small bones in the shape of a bean is found in the tendon of the big toe. Its main function is to provide stability and help in the mobility of the big toe. An injury in the sesamoideos can be caused by a direct trauma, such as a crush injury, an injury by twisting or excessive effort repetitive. The symptoms of an injury in the sesamoideos include acute pain in the sole of the foot, swelling, tenderness to the touch, and difficulty walking.
Causes
The most common causes of Sesamoid Injury are the overuse and repetitive blunt trauma. Athletes who participate in sports that require a repetitive stress on the foot, such as basketball, soccer and ballet, they are more likely to suffer an injury in the sesamoideos. It can also be caused by trauma to direct, as a hit in the foot, or a fall on the sole of the foot. People with arthritis, bunions or flat feet also have a higher risk of suffering an injury in the sesamoideos.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a lesion in the sesamoideos is based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history and a detailed physical examination. The doctor may request x-rays to assess the degree of injury in the sesamoideos and determine if there are fractures or other bone lesions associated. In addition, you can perform a magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate soft tissues, such as tendons and ligaments that surround the sesamoideos.
Treatment
The treatment of the Sesamoid Injury depends on the severity of the injury and the patient’s symptoms. In general, it is recommended to rest, ice, compression and elevation of the affected foot. The use of analgesics and anti-inflammatories can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to immobilize the foot in a cast or an orthopedic boot to allow the sesamoideos heal. In some cases, may require surgery to repair or remove the sesamoideos damaged.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after Sesamoid Injury may include physical therapy and strengthening exercises to help regain the strength and mobility of the foot. Stretching exercises can also be beneficial to improve the flexibility and reduce the risk of future injuries. In addition, you can use assistive devices, such as orthotics, to help maintain the stability and correct alignment of the foot.
It is important to follow the recommendations of the doctor and physical therapist as to the intensity and duration of the rehabilitation program. The return to activity should be gradual and monitored to prevent a relapse or a recurrent lesion.
Back to the action
The recovery time varies according to the severity of the injury and the type of treatment used. In general, it is recommended that a full recovery before returning to sports activity. It is important to follow a proper training program and progressive to allow the foot to gradually adapt to the demands of the activity. The use of proper footwear and supportive devices, such as orthotics may also help to prevent future injury.
Note: this article is only intended to be informational use. In any case self-diagnose. If you suffer from any medical condition, we recommend that you go to your physical therapy clinic of confidence.
Cedric Arregui Guivarch
National Coach of Basketball (CES 2014)
Webgrafía and Bibliography
- Lesions of the sesamoids of the foot: a review of the literature and treatment. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1888441515000223
- Physiotherapy Online. Injury of the sesamoideos of the foot. https://www.fisioterapia-online.com/articulos/lesion-de-los-sesamoideos-del-pie
