I have had sesamoditis for over 3 years now and although I've tried resting, new shoes and inserts I was wondering if anyone has had surgery to have the sesamoid removed? If so waht was the surgery like? How long was recovery? Would you recommend it and if not why?

Dear Shelly,
Has your podiatrist placed a "submet 1 cut out" in your orthotic? The majority of my patients suffering from sesamoiditis have had relief of their symptoms with this adustment to their orthotics. other conservative measures to be explored: physical therapy, injection therapy and immobilization.
I would recommend surgery only if you have exhusted all conservative treatment and if you are in pain. The actual procedure is not too difficult to perform. However, there are a number of possible complications that may result from the surgery. Firstly, it depends on which sesamoid is removed. Tibial of fibular? If the tibial sesamoid is removed the most common complication is a bunion deformity and if the fibular sesamoid is removed the big toe will deviate towards the midline of the body. This does not always occur, however it may, so these are the complcations that you should be aware of.
Although, I do know of patients who have had the surgery and have gone to live without complication and painfree due to the removal of the problematic seasmoid.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com,
SBarlizo, DPM
foot.com expert

Yes, my podiatrist placed a cut out in my orthotic but I don't know if it is a "submet 1 cut out". What do they do in physical therapy? I tried the RICE method orginally and it cut the pain becuase it numb the area. But I can't go walking very far or do anything athletic. I don't know what injection therapy is? Could you explain a little further.

Dear Redshell,
An injection is usually a combination of a local anesthetic and cortisone. Yor Podiatrist would be the person to tell you if this would be an appropriate form of therapy for you.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com,
SBarlizo, DPM,
foot.com expert