Contents
Are You Walking on a Broken Bone? Understanding Sesamoid Fractures
Published: Nov 24, 2023
Sesamoid fractures can be a hidden source of foot pain, especially near the big toe. Understanding this condition can help you find relief and avoid complications.
What Are Sesamoid Bones?
Sesamoid bones are tiny bones embedded in tendons around joints, like the knee or foot. In the foot, two large sesamoids sit near the big toe, helping with movement and protecting the tendons. These bones can fracture from stress or direct force, causing pain and discomfort.
Who Gets Sesamoid Fractures?
Sesamoid fractures are common among athletes and dancers, especially those involved in activities with rapid foot movement. Long-distance runners and people in sports like tennis and football are often at risk. Interestingly, young females tend to experience these fractures more frequently.
How Is a Sesamoid Fracture Diagnosed?
Doctors use various imaging techniques to diagnose sesamoid fractures, such as X-rays and MRIs. X-rays can reveal the fracture, but sometimes the injury is not visible initially. In such cases, an MRI or CT scan can provide a clearer picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
A sesamoid bone is a small bone embedded in a tendon near a joint.
They occur from stress or direct force, often in sports or activities with rapid foot movement.
Athletes, dancers, and young females are most at risk.
They are diagnosed with imaging techniques like X-rays and MRIs.
The Bottom Line
Sesamoid fractures can be painful and tricky to diagnose, but understanding the condition helps in managing it effectively.
References
- McBryde AM Jr, Anderson RB. Sesamoid foot problems in the athlete. Clin Sports Med 1988; 7:51.
- Richardson EG. Injuries to the hallucal sesamoids in the athlete. Foot Ankle 1987; 7:229.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?