Sesamoiditis is irritation or inflammation of the small bones beneath the big toe joint called sesamoids. These bones help protect the tendons and absorb pressure as the foot moves. When they experience too much repeated stress, the surrounding tissues can become irritated and painful. Sesamoiditis often affects people who spend a lot of time on their feet or participate in activities that place pressure on the ball of the foot. Recognizing the early signs can help you get comfortable and return to your normal routine.

Physical activity is a common reason sesamoiditis develops. Dancers and soccer players may experience this condition because their activities require frequent pushing off through the toes. Running and jumping can also place repeated pressure beneath the big toe. Suddenly increasing your exercise routine may make the problem more likely. Wearing high heels can shift your body weight toward the front of the foot and increase pressure on the sesamoid bones. Wearing poorly cushioned shoes, prolonged standing, and previous injuries can also contribute.

Sesamoiditis symptoms often develop gradually and may include pain beneath the big toe, swelling, and tenderness. You may notice discomfort when walking, bending the big toe, or participating in favorite activities. A podiatrist can begin by discussing your symptoms, activity level, and footwear. The foot may be examined for tenderness and movement problems. Imaging may also be recommended to rule out a fracture or another condition. Treatment often begins with rest, activity changes, and wearing supportive footwear.

Healing requires giving irritated tissues enough time to recover while reducing pressure on the affected area. A podiatrist may recommend cushioning, padding, or orthotics to help redistribute pressure. More severe cases may require temporary immobilization with a walking boot. Follow-up appointments allow the podiatrist to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate 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 Barbara J. Aung, DPM of Aung Foot Health Clinic . 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 office located in Tuscon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated pressure and overuse. Runners, dancers, and athletes are particularly susceptible because their activities place repeated stress on the feet. Stress fractures can affect several bones, but they commonly develop in the foot. One of the first signs is localized pain without an obvious injury. The discomfort may begin as a dull ache and become stronger during activity. Some people experience deep aching, tenderness, or weakness around the affected area. Unlike a complete fracture, a stress fracture may not prevent normal movement. Swelling can be mild or absent, and bruising may not occur, making the injury easy to overlook.

Pain from a stress fracture often becomes more noticeable during running, dancing, or sports. Continuing activities that repeatedly stress the affected bone can worsen the injury and delay healing. Stress fractures vary in severity, and some occur in bones that heal more easily than others. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, examine the foot, and order imaging tests when necessary to determine whether a stress fracture is present. Treatment depends on the affected bone, fracture severity, and activity level.

Treatment commonly involves reducing pressure on the foot and using supportive footwear, immobilization, or other measures to protect the injured bone while it heals. Some stress fractures may require more extensive treatment, and surgery may occasionally be necessary. A gradual return to normal activities is recommended after adequate healing has occurred.

Persistent or increasing foot pain should not be assumed to be a minor sprain. Stress fractures can develop without a major accident or direct blow, particularly in people who participate regularly in high-impact activities. Early evaluation can help prevent the injury from becoming more serious and support proper healing. If you have localized foot pain or symptoms of a stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Tuscon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken foot can make standing and walking painful because the foot carries body weight with every step. The foot contains 26 bones that work with joints, muscles, and tendons to support movement. A fracture means that one or more of these bones has cracked or broken. Causes include falls, crush injuries, and direct blows. Twisting injuries can also break bones. Stress fractures can develop from repeated force linked to activities like walking or running. The location of the injury helps determine how serious the fracture is and how long recovery can take.

Pain, swelling, and bruising are important signs of a broken foot. Patients can also develop tenderness or a limp, and putting weight on the injured foot can become very painful. A badly displaced fracture can change the shape of the foot. Numbness or tingling in the toes can point to nerve involvement. Some fractures break through the skin, creating an open wound and a greater risk of infection. X-rays can show many foot fractures. Certain injuries can require additional imaging when the fracture is difficult to see or involves a complex area of the foot.

A podiatrist can examine the foot, identify where the pain is located, and check movement and circulation. Treatment depends on which bone is broken and whether the pieces remain properly aligned. A podiatrist can prescribe a stiff-soled shoe, walking boot, or cast to protect certain fractures. Some displaced or complex fractures require surgery to restore stability and proper bone position. Careful treatment is important because complications can include poor bone healing, arthritis, and infection. A podiatrist can monitor healing and determine when the foot can safely handle more weight. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist effective treatment solutions.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Tuscon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A sudden shooting pain in the foot can stop you in your tracks. It may strike the heel, ball of the foot, or toes. Some patients describe the feeling as sharp, burning, or electric. The pain might appear with the first steps of the day, while walking, or even when the foot is at rest. Where the pain begins and what triggers it can help identify the cause. Numbness, swelling, or weakness are also important signs. Shooting pain that returns or becomes stronger indicates the need to see a podiatrist.

Several problems can cause this type of pain. Plantar fasciitis irritates the band of tissue that supports the arch and can send pain from the heel forward. A pinched or damaged nerve can create electric pain, tingling, and numbness. Morton's neuroma is thickened tissue surrounding a nerve near the toes, and it can cause burning pain in the ball of the foot. Other causes of shooting foot pain include a stress fracture, tendon irritation, or gout. Because diabetes can damage nerves in the feet, patients with this condition should report new pain quickly.

A podiatrist can find the source of shooting pain through a foot exam and a review of when symptoms began. The doctor may check the foot's movement, strength, and sensitive areas. X-rays or imaging can reveal a fracture or changes within the joints. Nerve testing can help when numbness, tingling, or burning occurs. Depending on the cause, treatment options include custom orthotics, supportive shoe guidance, or medication. In some cases, a brace or walking boot may be needed for protection or stability. Severe nerve pressure, a fracture, or joint damage may require surgery. Early care can prevent a treatable problem from becoming harder to manage. If you are experiencing shooting pain in the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Tuscon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.