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What is Sesamoiditis? Sesamoiditis, Taping, Treatment, Exercises
Sesamoiditis is an inflammatory condition that affects the small sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe joint. These tiny bones help absorb pressure and assist with movement, especially during walking, running, and jumping. When they become irritated due to overuse, trauma, or repetitive impact, they can cause a sharp or aching pain under the ball of the foot. Most commonly seen in athletes, dancers, and runners, sesamoiditis can make everyday activities like walking or wearing shoes extremely uncomfortable if not treated early.
What Causes Sesamoiditis and How Is It Diagnosed?
Sesamoiditis is usually caused by repetitive stress or trauma to the forefoot, particularly during high-impact activities. Risk factors include improper footwear, high arches, running on hard surfaces, and occupations requiring prolonged standing.
Diagnosis involves a physical exam, checking for tenderness or swelling under the big toe, and imaging such as X-rays or MRIs to rule out fractures or other foot conditions. If untreated, sesamoiditis can become chronic and limit mobility.
Get Relief from Sesamoiditis—Start Walking Pain-Free Again
If you’re struggling with pain under your big toe or suspect sesamoiditis, don’t wait. The expert podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Michigan offer personalized care plans, custom orthotics, and effective therapies to reduce inflammation and restore comfort. Let us help you take confident steps again—without pain.
DISCLAIMER:
Dr. Tomasz Biernacki received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine in 2013; he completed his Surgical Reconstructive Foot Surgery & Podiatric Medicine Residency in 2017; he completed 2x traveling Fellowships in Diabetic Surgery, Skin Grafting & Nerve Surgery. He is double board certified in Podiatric Medicine and Foot & Ankle Surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a licensed podiatrist & surgeon in Michigan. This video should not be used to self-diagnose and is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Biernacki and you. It would be best to not change your health regimen or diet before consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam & diagnosis. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
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We review sesamoiditis or gout? What is sesamoiditis? sesamoitis treatment? Sesamoiditis exercises, sesamoiditis foot pain, sesamoiditis bruising?
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What Is Sesamoiditis? Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatments
Sesamoiditis is a painful inflammation of the tiny sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe joint. These bones act like pulleys, helping the tendons move smoothly and efficiently during walking and running. When overused or subjected to repetitive pressure, they can become irritated and inflamed—leading to a condition known as sesamoiditis.
Causes:
- Repetitive activities like running, dancing, or jumping
- Wearing high heels or thin-soled shoes
- High arches or foot imbalances
- Sudden increase in activity or trauma
Symptoms:
- Pain under the ball of the foot, especially under the big toe
- Swelling or bruising in the forefoot
- Difficulty bending or straightening the big toe
- Increased pain when pushing off while walking
Best Treatments:
- Rest & Ice: Reduce inflammation and avoid high-impact activities.
- Footwear Modification: Wear cushioned, supportive shoes with a wide toe box.
- Custom Orthotics: A podiatrist can prescribe inserts to offload pressure.
- Padding & Taping: Reduces stress on the sesamoid bones.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: To reduce swelling and manage pain.
- MLS Laser Therapy or Physical Therapy: Accelerates healing.
- Surgery (in rare cases): Only if conservative methods fail.
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Sesamoiditis: Top 10 Questions Answered
Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the small bones under your big toe joint, causing pain in the ball of the foot.
Pain, swelling, bruising, or difficulty bending the big toe—especially when walking or applying pressure.
Overuse, poor footwear, foot structure issues (like high arches), and repetitive activities like dancing or running.
Mild cases may improve with rest and conservative care, but persistent cases need professional treatment.
Through a clinical exam and imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasound.
Healing time varies, but with proper treatment, it may take several weeks to a few months.
Shoes with cushioned soles, wide toe boxes, and stiff soles to reduce pressure on the forefoot.
Surgery is rarely needed and usually reserved for severe or chronic cases not responding to conservative treatment.
Yes. A podiatrist can provide orthotics, padding, footwear recommendations, and advanced care options.
Sesamoiditis is inflammation; a fracture involves a break in one of the sesamoid bones.
