Sesamoiditis occurs when the sesamoid bones become inflamed.

Symptoms of sesamoiditis is usually a gradual increase in pain under the big toe joint. Typically worse with activity or when the big toe joint is put through its range of motion.

Causes of sesamoiditis are usually due to repetitive stresses or microtrauma to these bones and there related structures, mainly the big toe joint. Usually heavy activities using this part of your foot is an aggravating factor for instance ballet, aerobics, running, and climbing stairs.

Prevention of symptoms is usually maintained by decreasing the activity that makes it worse and using padding techniques to take some of the pressure off the area. Sometimes a simple change in shoewear can alleviate the pain, talk to your podiatrist about this.

Diagnosis is usually made by clinical examination after x-rays are taken to rule out a fracture. Other diagnoses that need to be ruled out are avascular necrosis, osteoarthritis, stress fracture, osteomyelitis, gout, tendonitis, bursitis, neuritis to name a few.

Podiatric Care may include using anti-inflammatory oral medications or an injection of medication and local anesthetic to reduce this inflammation in the area. When you go to your doctor, x-rays are usually required to evaluate the structure of your foot and ankle to ensure no other problems exist in this area. They may advise you on different shoewear or prescribe a custom made orthotic to try and control the foot structure especially if you have excessive pronation. Sometimes patients are sent to physical therapy for treatment as well. To aid in relief of pressure points, some simple padding techniques can be utilized. Most all patients respond to these conservative measures once the area of irritation is removed.

Surgery is rarely done strictly for treatment of sesamoiditis. Occasionally surgery is performed to totally remove a sesamoid bone and is called a sesamoidectomy. If any underlying cause is the reason, this may also be addressed surgically.