Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of the sesamoid bones located under the metatarsal head near the big toe. This foot condition, common in dancers and runners, causes pain and limits toe mobility. Early detection of symptoms is essential to prevent worsening.
Symptoms of sesamoiditis
Sesamoid bones, small bones connected to tendons under the big toe, can cause mechanical pain when inflamed. Symptoms include:
- Swelling and redness near the big toe
- Pain worsening when walking
- Bruising or foot discoloration
- Altered gait due to compensation
- Difficulty walking fast or on uneven terrain
- Problems bending or moving the big toe
If these symptoms appear, consulting a podiatrist is advised to exclude other conditions like sesamoid stress fractures.
Diagnosing sesamoiditis
Because other foot diseases share similar symptoms, podiatrists use various diagnostic tools to confirm sesamoiditis and guide treatment:
- Visual inspection of the foot
- Biomechanical examination
- Joint puncture if infection or gout is suspected
- Digital X-ray to rule out fractures or arthritis
Causes and aggravating factors of sesamoiditis
Overuse of big toe tendons is the primary cause of sesamoiditis. Other contributing factors include:
- Improperly treated foot bunions
- Arthritis in the foot
- Untreated fractures
- Repeated inflammation near sesamoid bones
- Wearing high heels or shoes with thin soles
- Frequent high-impact sports like dancing and basketball
- Foot arch deformities such as flat or cavus foot
Since various conditions can result in sesamoiditis, professional diagnosis is essential to identify the underlying cause correctly.
Sesamoiditis prevention
Sesamoiditis, a form of metatarsalgia, can be prevented by addressing risk factors. Recommendations include:
- Reducing use of high-heeled shoes
- Choosing shoes with thick, firm soles
- Wearing footwear suited to foot shape and activities
- Maintaining healthy body weight
- Using protective shoe pads
- Temporarily pausing intense foot-straining sports
If inflammation persists despite these measures, consulting a podiatrist is recommended for proper care.
Medical treatments for inflammation of the sesamoid bones
Sesamoiditis symptoms can be inconvenient, and lifestyle changes alone may not suffice. Medical options include:
- Custom-made foot orthotics
- Therapeutic taping
- Orthopedic footwear
- Cortisone injections
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Laser therapy
- Adapting training programs to reduce strain
Surgery is rare but may be needed for conditions like fractures or severe osteoarthritis. Surgical interventions can involve sesamoid bone removal or hallux valgus surgery to remove bunions associated with sesamoiditis.
PiedReseau – Learn more
For additional information on sesamoiditis and related foot conditions, PiedReseau regularly updates its content. However, online resources do not replace the value of a podiatric consultation for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Take care of your feet—they are essential!
Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the sesamoid bones near the big toe, causing foot discomfort and mobility issues, especially in dancers and athletes.
Sesamoids are small bones connected to tendons under the big toe that assist walking but can cause problems like sesamoiditis.
Because sesamoid bones connect directly to tendons, sesamoiditis involves inflammation of both bone and tendon, resembling tendinitis.
If discomfort persists after preventive measures, consulting a podiatrist is recommended.
Surgery is rare, but may be needed if fractures fail to heal or in severe cases requiring sesamoid bone removal.
With proper care, recovery typically takes a few weeks.