New Website Launched to Raise Awareness of Sesamoiditis

April 30, 2011 - PRLog -- It has been estimated that 75% of Americans suffer from foot pain at some point during their lives. Many people are able to perform a quick home diagnosis of some of the more common problems such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes and stress fractures, and take appropriate action; however sesamoiditis, whilst relatively common, is a condition which many people are unaware of.

Sesamoiditis is a condition which affects the sesamoid bones, most commonly although not exclusively, those located in the foot at the base of the big toe. Sesamoiditis is often misdiagnosed as the formation of a bunion, a sprain, or bruising however the misdiagnosis by sufferers can delay the healing of the condition, with sesamoiditis treatment differing from other common foot conditions. The sesamoid bones are small bean shaped bones located where a tendon passes over a joint, and they function as a fulcrum to keep the tendons away from the joints to aid muscle function, whilst protecting the tendons and ensuring a uniform pull. The bones are located in the wrist, the elbow, and knees, although it is the sesamoid bones in the feet which are most frequently the source of injury due to being weight bearing bones.

The aim of the website is to provide an easy to read account of the condition, which can help the layman understand more about the anatomy of the feet and the nature of the condition. “Many people are reluctant to visit a doctor or podiatrist, and instead turn to the internet to gather advice on pain and minor conditions” says website creator Jennifer Lee. She goes on to say that “the site was put together to help people gather some basic information on sesamoiditis and the sesamoid bones and to improve understanding of the human body”.

The website does not baffle the reader with scientific terminology, and presents information on the condition in a concise and readable manner. The website touches on the anatomy of the foot to help aid understanding of the condition, and should help dispel fear which often accompanies unexplained foot pain to put the mind at rest. As with the growing number of websites such as this, the site does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to act as an alternative to visiting a doctor for a full diagnosis; however it has value and can help to improve education of the human body and can help sufferers seek treatment earlier.

Further information on sesamoiditis and the sesamoid bones can now be found on http://sesamoiditis.org/