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Sesamoiditis

What is Sesamoiditis?

Sesamoids are bones that are found in locations where a tendon passes over a joint, such as the hand, knee, and foot. They act in a functional way to protect the tendon and to increase its mechanical effect.

The sesamoids in the foot are found under the big toe and are located within the tendons that pass through this area. Sesamoiditis is when these bones become inflamed resulting in pain under the big toe joint.

Sesamoids, although less common can occur under the little toe joints and symptoms will present the same way as under the big toe.

Sesamoiditis Snapshot

  • Pain under big toe joint
  • Increased pain with barefoot walking
  • Commonly seen by podiatrists
  • Easily treatable with conservative treatment

Causes

Causes of Sesamoiditis

    • Fat Pad Atrophy (deterioration and thinning of the fat pad).
    • Dancing barefoot or in shoe with thin soles.
    • Squatting for long periods of time.
    • Increased  pressure on the balls of the feet (running, jumping).
    • Wearing high heel for long periods of time.
    • Biomechanical abnormalities (plantar flexed big toe, causing it to be the lower than the other forefoot bones and  forcing it  to bear more of the body’s weight).
    • Excessive rolling in of the feet that cause increased loading to this area of the foot.

Symptoms

Sesamoiditis Symptoms

  • Gradual onset of pain under the big toe and little toe joints.
  • Increased pain under the big toe when weight bearing.
  • Difficulty and pain when bending the big toe joint.
  • Swelling and bruising  may or may not be present.
  • Formation of callus under the big and little toe joints, depending on pressure.

Treatment

Treatment for Sesamoiditis

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