Sesamoiditis causes pain around two small bones located beneath the joint of the big toe. These bones are called sesamoids, and they help the big toe move while bearing pressure from the body. Unlike most bones, they are connected to tendons rather than directly to other bones. Repeated stress can irritate the sesamoid bones and the surrounding tendons. Pain usually develops in the ball of the foot beneath the big toe. Activities that place repeated pressure on the forefoot can make the discomfort more noticeable and interfere with normal movement.

Sesamoiditis can affect people whose activities place extra force on the front of the foot. Running and dancing can increase stress around the sesamoids. Sports that involve repeated jumping can also contribute to irritation. Symptoms usually develop gradually instead of appearing after one sudden injury. Patients can notice pain when bending or straightening the big toe. Swelling or bruising can also occur around the affected area. Because fractures and other forefoot problems can cause similar symptoms, a careful evaluation is important for identifying the source of pain.

A podiatrist can examine the painful area and evaluate how the big toe moves. The examination can also assess foot structure and how pressure is distributed across the forefoot. Imaging tests can help determine whether a fracture or another bone problem is causing symptoms. Treatment for sesamoiditis focuses on reducing pressure around the painful area and improving foot function. A podiatrist can recommend appropriate shoe changes, padding, or custom orthotics based on examination findings. Treatment can also address movement patterns that increase stress beneath the big toe. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Robert Dunne, DPM of Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pregnancy can bring noticeable changes to the feet as the body adjusts to added weight and shifting balance. Swelling is one concern, especially later in pregnancy. Extra fluid can collect in the feet because of the baby's weight and position. Foot size can also change. A hormone called relaxin makes ligaments more flexible to prepare the body for delivery. This flexibility can allow the feet to become wider and longer, sometimes resulting in a permanent increase of up to half a shoe size.

Arch pain is another foot problem that can develop during pregnancy. Added weight can increase strain on the arches, while changes in foot structure can cause the arches to flatten. This flattening places extra stress on the plantar fascia, the strong band of tissue that supports the arch. Ingrown toenails can also develop when shoes become too tight as the feet swell or change size. Pressure from wearing tight shoes can push the nail into the surrounding skin, leading to tenderness and inflammation. These changes can make standing and walking less comfortable.

A podiatrist can evaluate pregnancy-related foot pain and determine what is causing the discomfort. Treatment can focus on relieving pressure, supporting the arches, and protecting painful areas of the feet. A podiatrist can recommend wearing properly fitted shoes and custom foot orthotics to improve support. An orthotic is a shoe insert designed to support the foot and improve its position. Podiatrists can also treat ingrown toenails safely and assess persistent swelling or pain. Professional foot care can help patients remain comfortable and active as their bodies change throughout pregnancy. If you have symptoms of pregnancy-related foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic limb salvage focuses on treating serious foot and lower-limb complications with the goal of preserving as much healthy tissue and function as possible. Diabetes can damage nerves and reduce circulation to the feet, making injuries harder to notice and slower to heal. A small wound can sometimes develop into a diabetic foot ulcer or serious infection. When these problems progress, tissue damage may place the foot or limb at risk. Limb-salvage care brings together careful wound management, infection treatment, and evaluation of blood flow. Early professional attention is important because timely treatment may improve healing and reduce the risk of limb loss.

Several factors can make diabetic foot wounds more difficult to treat. Nerve damage may reduce sensation, while poor circulation can limit the oxygen and nutrients needed for healing. Infection can further damage tissue and may spread if it is not treated promptly. A diabetic limb-salvage evaluation focuses on the wound and the overall condition of the foot. Depending on the situation, additional testing may be needed to evaluate circulation or determine whether infection has reached deeper tissues. More advanced cases may require coordinated care from multiple medical specialists to protect the patient’s health and preserve function.

A podiatrist plays an important role in diabetic limb salvage by identifying and treating foot problems before they become more severe. Podiatric care may include professional wound treatment, removal of damaged tissue, or methods to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas. A podiatrist can also monitor healing and work with vascular or other specialists when circulation problems require additional care. Treatment is based on the severity of the wound and the patient’s overall health. The goal is to control complications, support healing, and preserve mobility whenever possible. If you have diabetes and develop a non-healing wound, infection, or concerning changes in your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Persistent toe pain can make simple daily activities uncomfortable and can affect how you walk. Pain in the big-toe joint can develop gradually or begin after an injury. Three important causes are bunions, osteoarthritis, and gout. A bunion forms when the bones at the big-toe joint move out of alignment. This creates a bump along the inside of the foot, while the big toe shifts toward the second toe. The bump can become painful when it presses against shoes. Bunions can also lead to stiffness and changes in nearby toes.

Osteoarthritis can also cause big-toe pain and stiffness. This condition develops when the joint becomes damaged, and movement becomes limited. In advanced cases, the big toe can become very stiff, and a bony bump can form on top of the joint. This can make closed shoes uncomfortable and cause patients to change the way they walk. Gout causes a different pattern of pain. It can produce sudden, severe pain with redness, heat, and swelling. Gout develops when urate crystals collect in a joint, and the big toe is a frequent site for an attack.

A podiatrist can examine the toe, identify the cause of the pain, and explain the treatment choices. Treatment depends on the condition and its severity. A podiatrist can recommend appropriate shoes, prescribe custom orthotics to improve joint function, or provide certain injections to reduce pain from osteoarthritis. When symptoms are severe and other treatments have not provided enough relief, surgery can be discussed. An accurate diagnosis is especially important because bunions, osteoarthritis, and gout require different approaches to care. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Robert Dunne, DPM of Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.