Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Sesamoiditis near Auburn Hills often hides a sesamoid stress fracture that looks like a normal bipartite sesamoid on X-ray — and treating a fracture as inflammation delays healing by months. An MRI is the only way to tell them apart before committing to a treatment plan. Call (810) 206-1402 — sesamoid evaluation and treatment in Auburn Hills.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM · Board-Certified Podiatrist · Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC · Updated 2026
Sesamoiditis Treatment Near Auburn Hills, MI
Sesamoiditis treatment near Auburn Hills, MI is available at Balance Foot & Ankle in Bloomfield Township. Dr. Biernacki DPM provides custom sesamoid-offloading orthotics, cortisone injections, and surgical sesamoidectomy when needed for persistent under-big-toe pain. Call (810) 206-1402.
What Is Sesamoiditis and Why Is It Slow to Heal?
The two sesamoid bones beneath the first metatarsal head act like pulleys for the flexor hallucis brevis tendon, bearing significant pressure during the push-off phase of walking and running. Sesamoiditis — inflammation of these bones and surrounding tissue — produces a characteristic aching or throbbing pain under the ball of the foot near the base of the big toe. Recovery is notoriously slow because the sesamoids have limited blood supply and are subjected to loading forces with every step. In our Auburn Hills-area patients, we see sesamoiditis most commonly in high-impact athletes, dancers, and patients with high-arched feet that concentrate forefoot pressure.
Key Takeaway: A J-shaped dancer’s pad that offloads the sesamoid while cushioning around it is the most effective conservative device for sesamoiditis — significantly more effective than standard cushioning insoles.
Plantar Plate Tear Recovery Products
Conservative management of plantar plate tears focuses on offloading the injured metatarsophalangeal joint and reducing extension forces on the toe:
Pedag Metatarsal Pad — Joint Offloading
A metatarsal pad placed proximal to the injured MTP joint transfers pressure away from the plantar plate during push-off. This is the single most important conservative intervention for plantar plate tears — it dramatically reduces the load on the injured ligament with every step. Placement is precise: it must sit just behind the metatarsal head, not under it. We demonstrate correct placement at every appointment.
Brooks Ghost 16 — Stiff-Soled Shoe for Plantar Plate Recovery
A shoe with a firm, relatively inflexible forefoot is essential for plantar plate tear rehabilitation — it prevents the excessive toe dorsiflexion during push-off that stresses the injured ligament. The Ghost 16’s firm DNA LOFT midsole resists forefoot bending effectively. Combined with the metatarsal pad, this combination significantly reduces pain during walking and allows the plantar plate to heal without repeated re-injury.
Treatment and Getting to Our Office
Treatment begins with custom orthotics incorporating a sesamoid J-pad cutout to relieve direct pressure, activity modification, and stiff-soled shoes to limit first MTP dorsiflexion. Acute flares respond well to corticosteroid injection. Sesamoid fractures with avascular necrosis that fail 3–4 months of conservative care are treated with sesamoidectomy. Our Bloomfield Township office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 is about 18 minutes from Auburn Hills via I-75 S to Woodward Ave. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
⚠️ See a Podiatrist If:
- Pain under the big toe ball persists more than 3–4 weeks
- Big toe stiffness limits push-off during walking or running
- You’re a dancer or athlete with recurring forefoot pain
- Pain is constant even during rest or at night
Stop Pushing Through Sesamoid Pain
Balance Foot & Ankle · Serving Auburn Hills & Michigan
Book Your Appointment →Ready to Get Relief?
Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
Sesamoiditis near Auburn Hills is inflammation of the sesamoid bones located under the big toe joint, causing pain with walking and push-off activities. Our podiatrist serving Auburn Hills differentiates sesamoiditis from sesamoid stress fracture using X-ray and bone scan or MRI when needed, as treatment differs significantly. Conservative care for sesamoiditis includes offloading padding under the ball of the foot, a dancer’s pad, stiff-soled footwear, and custom orthotics with a sesamoid cutout. Activity modification and anti-inflammatory medications reduce acute inflammation. Corticosteroid injections provide targeted relief for persistent cases. For confirmed sesamoid stress fractures, non-weight-bearing immobilization for six to eight weeks is required. Patients near Auburn Hills who do not respond to conservative care after four to six months may require surgical sesamoidectomy, which has excellent outcomes when properly indicated.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
How long does sesamoiditis take to heal?
Sesamoiditis healing time ranges from 6 weeks for mild cases to 6 months or longer for severe cases, especially when a sesamoid stress fracture is present. Bipartite sesamoids (naturally split bones) complicate diagnosis because they look like fractures on X-ray. MRI is the gold standard for confirming a true sesamoid injury and guiding realistic recovery timelines.
What is the difference between sesamoiditis and a sesamoid fracture?
Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the sesamoid bones and surrounding tendons without a true break. A sesamoid fracture is an actual crack in the bone, which requires longer immobilization and sometimes surgical removal if it fails to heal. MRI distinguishes between the two — plain X-rays often cannot, especially when a bipartite sesamoid (congenital split) is present.
Can you walk on sesamoiditis?
Walking with sesamoiditis is possible but aggravates the condition if footwear isn't modified. A stiff-soled shoe with a dancer's pad (padding that offloads the ball of the foot under the big toe) significantly reduces pain during walking. Complete non-weight-bearing with a walking boot is prescribed for sesamoid stress fractures or severely inflamed cases that don't respond to padding alone.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Call (810) 206-1402 and we will check your benefits before you come in — or book online: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township