Sesamoiditis is painful inflammation of the sesamoid apparatus, located in the forefoot. This condition typically affects physically active young people. Sesamoiditis results in inflammation, pain, and eventually bone overgrowth, loss and fracture. On an x-ray of the foot, sesamoid bones appear as a pair of distinctive oval dots near the first metatarsal head. These bones absorb impact forces in the forefoot during walking during a series of attachments to other structures in the forefoot. The pain usually begins as a mild ache and increases gradually as the aggravating activity is continued. Pierre Dupont Doctor of Podiatric Medicine | chiropodist says that one of the major causes of sesamoiditis is increased activity. Sesamoiditis is a common ailment that affects the forefoot, typically in young people who engage in physical activity like racket sports, squatting, running on the ball of the feet or dancing. The most common symptom is pain in the ball-of-the-foot, especially on the medial or inner side sesamoid bone.

First line of treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive. Most cases require a strict period of rest and icing, along with the full-time use of custom-made biomechanical orthotic devices especially designed to offload the big toe joint and its under-ridding sesamoid bones. Full-time offloading gives your sesamoids and their surrounding inflammed tendon time to heal. Pierre Dupont Doctor of Podiatric Medicine | chiropodist suggests that one should apply ice to the area for 10 to 15 minutes after any activity that aggravates the area. In severe cases, a customized high-powered laser treatment protocol helps in reducing swelling and pain. The injured cells will be fully re-energized so healing will be prompted up. When the condition is not abated by the use of orthotics and high-power lasers, your podiatrist/chiropodist may recommend a soft cast and an air-boot to offset pressure otherwise transferred on the sesamoids. Surgical treatment may be recommended in cases where above listed treatments had no measurable affect.

About Pierre Dupont

Pierre Dupont Doctor of Podiatric Medicine | chiropodist is an experienced professional working in podiatric medicine. He utilizes his knowledge and expertise to provide the most appropriate solutions to the foot issues being faced by his patients.

N.B. A DPM or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine cannot register anymore as a podiatrist in Ontario due to a «podiatric cap» in force since 1993. The only Doctors of Podiatric Medicine members registered as podiatrists did so before 1993 and had been grandfathered podiatrist thereafter. The College of Podiatrists and Chiropodists of Ontario (College) is the professional regulatory body for both Chiropodists and Podiatrists. The College petitioned the Minister for a referral to the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council (HPRAC) with the objective of removing the podiatric cap and moving to a Podiatry model of footcare similar to the one in force elsewhere in North America, Australia and in many European Countries. The review by the HPRAC of the Chiropody and Podiatry professions has been ordered by the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and is now commencing. This why Pierre Dupont D.P.M. / Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, had been registered as a chiropodist in Ontario although he could have been eligible to be registered as a podiatrist in other provinces or jurisdictions. This explains why the following designations or titles as Pierre Dupont podiatrist, Dr. Pierre Dupont podiatrist, Dr Pierre Dupont DPM, Dr Pierre Dupont podiatre, Pierre Dupont podiatre or Pierre Dupont podiatrist Ottawa do not figure among correct appellations according to regulations in force.

Summary: In Ontario, both podiatrists and chiropodists, both DPM’s - graduated after a 4-year University program in Podiatric Medicine - and DCh’s - awarded after a 3-year program at the Michener Institute - are foot specialists who assess and treat foot conditions within their respective scope of practice.