[Guest]

I have had this for 2 1/2 years now, and it has got no better, despite orthotics 2 steroid injections and a total of 3 1/2 months in plaster, 6 weeks of which were on crutches. I seem to live on Ibuprofen, and if I don't take any for a couple of days, I can barely walk and have to take codeine to kill the pain. I seem to have exhausted all my options except surgery. I have an appt with specialist on 1st March, who has always been reluctant to operate. Do you agree that surgery to remove the sesamoid is my best option for recovery? Should I try to persuade my Doctor?

[Guest]

If the doctor is certain that the sesamoid is causing the pain, surgery does seem to be the best option. You have exhausted all conservative measures and you do not want to be on ibuprofen your entire life.
[quote] I have had this for 2 1/2 years now, and it has got no better, despite orthotics, 2 steroid injections and a total of 3 1/2 months in plaster, 6 weeks of which were on crutches. I seem to live on Ibuprofen, and if I don't take any for a couple of days, I can barely walk and have to take codeine to kill the pain... [/quote]

[Guest]

My doctor has finally agreed to remove the sesamoid, but he is not convinced that it is sesamoiditis that is causing the pain, as the cortisone made little difference. The pain is directly on the sesamoid when I walk on it or it's pushed, and it's not fractured, so what else could it be?
Also, his waiting list is up to 18 months long. I need to use crutches if I know I will be walking for more than half and hour, I have 2 padded insoles in my shoes, and take ibuprofen. I also have mild oseoarthritis in the same big toe, caused by walking incorrectly to compensate for the sesamoid pain. Is there anything else I could be doing in the meantime? Thanks for your help.
[quote] If the doctor is certain that the sesamoid is causing the pain, surgery does seem to be the best option. You have exhausted all conservative measures and you do not want to be on ibuprofen your entire life... [/quote]

[Guest]

The big toe joint may also be the cause. If the metatarsal is too mobile or at a bad angle, it can cause the joint to jam leading to increased sesamoid pressure. Therefore, you may want to ask if this is the primary problem leading to secondary sesamoiditis. Have a nice day.
[quote] My doctor has finally agreed to remove the sesamoid, but he is not convinced that it is sesamoiditis that is causing the pain, as the cortisone made little difference. The pain is directly on the sesamoid when I walk on it or it's pushed, and it's not fractured, so what else could it be... [/quote]