If you’re looking for a group to go running with before the heat of the day, the River City Run in San Antonio may be for you. Every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8 a.m., the group runs an easy-pace 5K that hits the main city landmarks in the downtown and River Walk areas. If you have ball of the foot pain from sesamoiditis, however, you shouldn’t just push through it. If you want to run well, you should take time to treat the issue.

Sesamoiditis is a painful overuse injury that causes inflammation in the ball of the foot at the base of the big toe. The sesamoids are two tiny bones embedded in the tendon that attaches your big toe to your first metatarsal. They act as pulleys, giving your digit power to push off the ground. When they become inflamed, your toe is weakened and it hurts to put pressure on the forefoot. This can make running difficult and unpleasant.

Treating the problem correctly usually means you need to take time away from jogging to allow your foot to heal. Continuing to aggravate the sesamoids by running on them will only make the problem worse. Instead, ice the ball of your foot regularly to help decrease the irritation. Pad the ball of the foot to decrease pressure there and help absorb shock when you walk around.

You may need to make changes to you shoes or add orthotics to help stabilize your foot, too. Often faulty biomechanics can lead to putting too much pressure on the sesamoids, creating the problem. Custom orthotics can correct issues like this as well as add extra cushioning for your soles.

Running with sesamoiditis is painful and not a good idea in the long run. It’s much better for your body—and for the sport—if you take care of your condition first and then ease your way back you’re your regular routine. Let Dr. Darren Silvester know if you’re struggling with stubborn sesamoid pain. See how the Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic staff in Universal City, TX, can help you. Call 210.375.3318 or use our website request form to make an appointment with us.