Sesamoid Bone Pathology of the Foot

Sesamoid bones are little pea-like bony structures that are associated with flexor tendons of the great toe, but are separate structures from them. They provide a mechanical advantage so that the tendon can increase the power it is exerting. Usually there are two or three of these sesamoid bones distributed on the sole of the foot, but normally a person is not aware that they are even there. However, when they fracture or get irritated from trauma, the foot pain from them can become intolerable.

Standing foot X-rays with several views will often help classifying where the problem lies. If this does not give all of the answers, sometimes a bone scan has to be ordered. There are a lot of variations of the normal pathology and there are other pathological abnormalities such as sesamoiditis, turf toe (subluxation of metatasal head through a tear of the 1st MP joint) and others. An orthopedic surgeon with an interest in foot surgery should be consulted, before any surgery would be planned. Unfortunately with aggressive surgery of the sesamoid bones and removal of both the medial and lateral one, a claw toe deformitiy with intractable pain can be created, which will not respond to any further therapy.

There is an FDA approved non-drug method available, IceWave patches from Lifewave, which will control pain. This is mentioned in the book "Breakthrough" by Suzanne Somers (Ref. 8) where newer insights of antiaging medicine are also reviewed. Although the patches are placed over acupuncture points, there are no needles involved. Nanotechnology, a newer technology, was used in the manufacturing of these patches and infrared (heat) waves from body heat are utilized to stimulate an acupuncture point, which modifies pain perception and reduces pain to half or less. Medically this would be considered an excellent pain reliever. For more info on the patches see the IceWave patches from Lifewave link above (click "products"). In the US a 5 pack of the IceWave spray is available that can be directly sprayed onto the skin in the area where the pain is located.

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Disclaimer:

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References:

1. ABC of rheumatology, second edition, edited by Michael L. Snaith , M.D., BMJ Books, 1999. Chapter 5.

2. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 270.

3. Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics: http://www.wheelessonline.com/

4. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 60, p.487.

8. Suzanne Somers: "Breakthrough" Eight Steps to Wellness-- Life-altering Secrets from Today's Cutting-edge Doctors", Crown Publishers, 2008

Last Modified: Nov. 15, 2008