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Sesamoid Fracture

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Sesamoid Fracture

Definition

A sesamoid fracture is a break in one of the two pea-shaped bones in the ball of the foot beneath the big toe. These bones let the feet move smoothly.

Sesamoid Bones of the Foot.

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Causes

Causes may be:

  • A direct blow to the foot, such as from falling and landing heavily
  • Repetitive stress to the foot

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in people who play high-impact sports, such as running, aerobics, ballet, or gymnastics.

Symptoms

The most common symptom is pain in the ball of the foot and big toe. Other problems may be:

  • Swelling and redness of the foot and big toe
  • Pain in the ball of the foot behind the big toe
  • Pain when walking

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. You may be asked about any injury you have had or any activities that you do. You may need to see a doctor who treats bones or feet.

Images may be taken. This can be done with:

Treatment

It will take 4 to 8 weeks for most people to heal. The goals of treatment are to manage pain and support the bone as it heals. This may include:

  • Medicine to ease pain and swelling
  • A cast to keep the bone in place as it heals
  • Crutches to take weight off of the foot
  • Exercises to help with strength and range of motion

Prevention

This problem cannot always be prevented. Starting a new sport slowly may help lower the risk of injury.

Surgery

Some people may need surgery when other methods do not help. During surgery, the sesamoid bone may be put in its proper place or removed.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

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References

  • Schein AJ, Skalski MR, et al. Turf toe and sesamoiditis: what the radiologist needs to know. Clin Imaging. 2015 May-Jun;39(3):380-389.
  • Schafer KA and McCormick JJ. Turf toe and sesamoiditis. Operative Techn Sports Med. 2021; 29(4) Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otsm.2021.150869.
  • Sesamoid fracture. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/sesamoid-fracture.
  • Sesamoiditis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/sesamoiditis.

Contributors

  • Laura Lei-Rivera, PT, DPT
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.