Hey, I came across your site yesterday while doing some research. I have been dealing with some pain on the side of my left big toe joint since December of last year. I initially went to a local orthopedic where they x-ray both feet and they said I have bipartite sesamoid on both feet. They didn't really have any answers as to why I am experiencing pain though. I am able to run fine but and the pain is more of an annoyance than a debilitating pain. I can run for 3 hours or even do hike/runs for 6 hours and the pain doesn't get any worse. I would say the pain level is between 4-6.
Dr. Blake's comment: To most of my patients, pain levels over 2 and they are going to the doctor, and over 5 they are not running at all.
Just walking around the pain is at a 1-2.
I recently went to a podiatrist foot and ankle specialist and he immediately said I in fact have a fractured sesamoid on my left but the right is a bipartite sesamoid.
Dr. Blake's comment: Only an MRI is conclusive, but to me they both look bi- and tri-partite with smooth borders. Sesamoids that are in multiple pieces congenitally can get irritated, even the junction between the bone fragments sprained or fractured. If you are not getting an MRI, you have to go by the amount of swelling, the level of pain, and use comparison xrays 3 months apart or so that will show a change. A broken bone will change and the xrays after 3 months will show that difference. Month to month changes will be less definitive. Unfortunately, when I have a decision between fracture and bipartite, and I can not get a definitive MRI, I treat it as a fracture with a cam walker for 3 months and I definitely do not allow my patients to go over pain level 2.
He said I could try some custom orthotics or have surgery to remove it and that would fix the issue. Attached are images of the x-rays.
Dr. Blake's comment: To do surgery on a probable in your case non-fractured sesamoid is pretty absurd. So, custom orthotics (which should be only one of 10 things you are doing for your sesamoid to drive the pain now and let this heal: removable boot, hoka one one rocker shoes, spica taping, dancer's padding, cluffy wedges, activity modification, icing, contrast bathing, bone stimulator, and some PT to get their advice).
If I get the surgery will I be able to run again? I am a competitive trail and ultra runner and I also race mountain bikes.
Dr. Blake's comment: Typically, unless you are the 1 in 10 that gets some complication, or has other unknown factors at play, you can run again, but the sesamoid bone will have to always be protected. Always. And this is why patients fight getting the right diagnosis and right treatment no matter how long it takes. Good luck Rich
thanks
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Thank you very much for leaving a comment. Due to my time restraints, some comments may not be answered.I will answer questions that I feel will help the community as a whole.. I can only answer medical questions in a general form. No specific answers can be given. Please consult a podiatrist, therapist, orthopedist, or sports medicine physician in your area for specific questions.