Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Sesamoid Injury
What is a sesamoid injury?
Sesamoids are small bones embedded within tendons and are found in several joints throughout the body. In the foot, there are two pea-shaped sesamoid bones located underneath the ball of the foot. These bones act as pulleys for the tendons, helping to improve movement and leverage. A sesamoid injury occurs when one or both of these bones — or the surrounding soft tissue — becomes damaged. Physiotherapy plays an important role in treating sesamoid injuries.
How does a sesamoid injury happen?
The sesamoid area can be injured in a variety of ways. Damage may occur gradually due to repetitive stress (overuse), or suddenly due to trauma, such as landing, jumping, or twisting on the forefoot. Sesamoid injuries are more common in people who participate in sports that involve significant forefoot loading, pivoting, or high-intensity running — such as netball, distance running, or dancing.
What are the symptoms of a sesamoid injury?
A sesamoid injury typically causes pain when weight is placed through the ball of the foot. Many people will subconsciously walk along the outer edge of the foot to avoid pressure on the sesamoid bones. In cases of overuse, the pain may lessen as the foot warms up throughout the day. However, if the pain is due to a fracture of a sesamoid bone, it will usually remain constant. Other symptoms may include:
- Swelling and tenderness around the ball of the foot
- Bruising underneath the big toe joint
- Pain when bending the big toe upwards (extension)
- Pain when wearing tight or hard-soled shoes
- Reduced ability to push off the big toe while walking or running
- A feeling of “catching” or clicking in the toe joint (in some cases)
What should I do if I have a sesamoid injury?
If you suspect that you have a sesamoid injury, you should arrange an assessment as soon as possible. Sesamoid bones have a poor blood supply and are known for slow or problematic healing. For this reason, the earlier the injury is diagnosed and treatment begins, the better the chances of a full recovery.
What shouldn’t I do if I have a sesamoid injury?
If you suspect a problem with your sesamoid bones, you should avoid activities that involve running, jumping, or twisting on the ball of the foot. You should also avoid wearing tight shoes or high heels, as they place additional pressure on the area.
Physiotherapy treatment following a sesamoid injury.
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the diagnosis and management of a sesamoid injury. In some cases, your physiotherapist may refer you for imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI scan, to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment you receive will depend on your specific symptoms and level of pain. Physiotherapy may include:
- Offloading pads or cushioning to relieve pressure beneath the sesamoid bones
- Taping techniques to reduce stress on the big toe joint during walking
- Manual therapy and joint mobilisation to improve movement of the big toe and surrounding joints
- Stretching exercises for the calf muscles and plantar fascia to reduce strain on the forefoot
- Strengthening exercises for intrinsic foot muscles to support proper foot mechanics
- Activity modification advice, including reducing weight-bearing and avoiding impact activities
- Ice or heat therapy to manage pain and inflammation
- Gait retraining to correct compensatory walking patterns
- Footwear advice, including supportive shoes or orthotics for better pressure distribution
Could there be any long-term effects from a sesamoid injury?
If a sesamoid injury is misdiagnosed or treated incorrectly, it can lead to long-term complications. Because the sesamoid bones have a poor blood supply, an untreated or poorly managed fracture may fail to heal properly, and part of the bone may even die. In such cases, surgery may be required to remove the sesamoid bone or to stimulate healing.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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