Have you been experiencing pain right under that big toe after some physical activity or from wearing shoes/heels all day? Well that pain may be coming from two common conditions: sesamoiditis or Gout. Let’s start by giving a little background of each condition. First, sesamoids are the two circular small bones that are located right underneath the big toe. Their main purpose is to assist with weight-bearing and help elevate the rest of the bones in the big toe. With so much weight and so much biomechanical involvement the tendons surrounding the sesamoids can become inflamed or irritated.

Gout is a condition that is caused by a build up of uric acid in the joints. The big toe joint is the most common affected area. The noticeable different between gout and sesamoiditis is amount and timing of pain. Gout is normally accompanied with extremely painful attacks (mainly in men) and a classic symptom of waking up in the middle of the night with sharp throbbing pain in the big toe.

At Frederick’s Foot and Ankle Specialists we can help determine which condition you may have. Most importantly, we can help alleviate and treat the symptoms that arise from having either condition.

Usually dancers, runners and baseball catchers are more prone to getting sesamoiditis. While, eating too much red meat, shellfish and brandy, being a man over 40 yrs and genetics makes you more gout-prone. Did you know that historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin and King Henry VII of England had gout conditions? Gout has been around for a long time, unfortunately for Mr. Franklin and King Henry VIIIthey didn’t have Dr. Steinberg, Dr. Yanes, or Dr. Ho to treat them with today’s prescribed gout medication. So stop by our offices in Frederick or Urbana, MD!

Treatment for sesamoiditis is more up to the patient. Usually stoppage of the activity causing the inflammation is requested. Ibuprofen and aspirin may be prescribed and some more cushioned shoes may be ordered. In severe cases, we would administer steroid injections.

These are two drastically different conditions. One that you are more genetically-disposed (Gout) and the other that is caused mainly by physical activity without rest (Sesamoiditis). Come see us to help determine the proper diagnosis.

As always check your feet daily and stop by! It can help avoid future health problems!

Are you on your feet constantly all day while at work? Well, the reason might not be having the right shoes for the job! At Fredericks Foot and Ankle Specialists we can help explain the proper walking movement and shoes one should have in order to avoid foot pains. Feet are probably the most overlooked and underappreciated body part. No one really minds for them until, well, they start to hurt.

If you work in the service industry, you know you’re on your feet the whole day. You probably take more steps than the average person (10,000 steps/day) does. Service workers are more susceptible to foot problems due to the amount of time they are on their feet and type of shoe they wear. 

At our locations in Frederick and Urbana, MD we always mention to patients that high heels are not ideal footwear to wear for 8 hours/day. We recommend, if you can only wear them for a few hours a day; by simply following that recommendation you will be better serving yourself in the long term. If you wear high heels like Gwyneth Paltrow or any female celebrity wearing heels over 3 inches high, please read carefully the following facts. Wearing high heels constantly cause fractures on your ankle, disrupt the posture of your walking movement and shift your body pressure to the front of your foot. This can cause unwanted calluses and lead to many other problems that can range from knee pain to lower back misalignment.

For men, it is equally important for you to find a nice comfortable pair of dress shoes. It is important to get the proper size, width, arch support and material in order to assure a comfortable day at work (at least while being on your feet). If you stand for extended periods of time shoes with soft, pliable, and cushioned soles will protect your feet and help keep them comfortable. For both genders: It is advised to have three to five pairs of shoes for work so that you can alternate your shoes on a daily basis. This can avoid wear and tear and let the shoes air out and prevent fungi growth.

If any foot-related problem arises, take the time and visit our doctors Dr. Steinberg, Dr. Ho, or Dr. Yanes. At our offices we can help trim and debride unwanted calluses, treat corns, hammertoes (caused by tight shoes), and provide custom-fit orthotics. It is better to have a professional look and treat your feet to avoid reoccurrences and future painful episodes!

As always check your feet daily and stop by! It can help avoid future health problems!