Sesamoid bones in the foot

The sesamoids are two pea-shaped bones located in the ball of the foot beneath the big toe joint.

Sesamoids help the big toe move normally and provide leverage when the big toe "pushes off" during walking and running. They also serve as a weight-bearing surface for the first metatarsal bone to absorb the weight placed on the ball of the foot when walking, running and jumping.

Sesamoid injuries can involve the bones, tendons, and/or surrounding tissue in the joint. They are often associated with activities requiring increased pressure on the ball of the foot, such as running, basketball, football, golf, tennis and ballet. In addition, people with high arches are at risk for developing sesamoid problems. Frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes can also be a contributing factor.

To diagnosis a sesamoid injury, the podiatrist will examine the foot, focusing on the big toe joint. The Doctor will press on the big toemove it up and down and may assess the patient's walking and evaluate the wear pattern on the patient's shoes. X-rays are ordered, and in some cases, advanced imaging studies may be ordered.

Non-surgical treatment for sesamoid injuries of the foot may include one or more of the following options, depending on the type of injury and degree of severity: Padding, strapping or taping: A pad may be placed in the shoe to cushion the inflamed sesamoid area. Immobiliztion: the foot may be placed in a cast or removable walking cast. Crutches may be used to prevent weight bearing. Oral medications: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen is helpful in reducing the pain. Physical therapy: this could be exercises, strengthening and ultrasound. Steroid injections: cortisone is injected into the joint to reduce inflammation. Orthotics: custom orthotics that fit into the shoe may be prescribed for long-term treatment of sesamoiditis to balance the pressure placed on the ball of the foot.

If the above treatment does not help then surgery may be required.

So if you are experiencing pain in the ball of your foot under the great toe give Dr. T. Vail a call for an appointment to see if this is the reason for your pain. 419-423-1888. On our website : http://www.vailfoot.com/ visit our online store and there are Dr. Jill's Dancer pads that will help to cushion the inflamed sesamoid bones.

Blisters

Blisters aresmall swelling of the skin that contains watery fluid. They are caused by friction. The body responds to the friction by producing fluid. The fluid builds up beneath the part of the skin being rubbed, causing pressure and pain.

Blisters occur when feet get hot, sweaty and socks stick to the feet. The sock and foot then rub against each other and the inside of the shoe. Fluid fills up a space between layers of skin to protect the area, like a small balloon. That is how a blister forms.

Blisters are a common problem with athletes wearing new shoes. Also runners and walkers who participate in long events like marathons.

If a blister is red, leaking yellow fluid or has red lines near the blister see a podiatrist right away since this is symptoms of infection.

The most common causes of foot blisters are: heat, moisture and friction.

Some ways to prevent blisters are: wear shoes that fit properly and keep feet as dry as possible.
Change socks regularly and use foot powder to help keep your feet dry.

At Advanced Foot Care clinic we recommend Zeasorb AF powder. It contains anti-fungal properties as well as keep your feet dry.

Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is an infection of the feet caused by fungus. Tinea pedis is the medical term for athlete foot which can last for a short or long time.

The most common symptom is cracked, flaking, peeling skin on the sole of the foot or between the toes. It is usually red and itchy. There may be burning or stinging and blisters, oozing or crusting.

You will need to keep your feet clean and dry, especially between your toes. If you have a hard time drying between your toes you can use a hair dryer on a low setting .

Wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water and dry very carefully.

Wear clean socks and change your them and your shoes every day. Do not wear the same pair of shoes every day. They need to air out. At Advanced Foot Care Clinic we offer our patients socks that contain bamboo fibers in them that help wick away moisture from your feet.

CAUSES: Our bodies normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others may, under certain conditions multiply rapidly and cause infections. Athlete's foot occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies in your feet especially between your toes.

These fungi thrive in warm, moist areas, so that is why it is important to keep your feet dry and clean.

Athletes foot is contagious and can be passed through direct contact or contact with items such as shoes, stockings, and shower or pool surfaces.

PREVENTION: Dry your feet thoroughly after bathing or swimming. Wear sandals or water shoes in public shower or pool. Change yor socks often to keep your feet dry. Use Zeasorb AF powder. This is an antifungal powder to prevent athlete's foot. Wear shoes that are well ventilated and preferably made of natural material such as leather. Alternate shoes every day so they can dry between wearings. Avoid plastic-lined shoes.

On our website:www.vailfoot.com on our online store we have numerous items for athlete's foot. There is fungasoap which has tea tree oil in it to help wash away the bacteria and fungus from your feet while showering. We also offer the sterishoe which uses ultraviolet light to kill the fungus that is in the shoe.

If you live in the Findlay, Ohio area and you have been fighting athlete's foot for a long time just give our office a call at 419-423-1888 to set up an appointment.