Sesamoiditis

There are two small bones under the great toe joint which are embedded in the muscle and move with the great toe, similar to a pulley system. When they are traumatized by high heeled shoes, thin soled shoes and excessive walking, they can become inflamed or even fracture. Sometimes one is born with the sesamoids in more than one piece. This is normal but must be differentiated when they are painful.

Because they are vital for proper balanced toe function, every effort is made to give relief of the symptoms without removing the sesamoids. Even though they are small, they are important to the proper function and alignment of the great toe joint.

Accommodation padding, orthotics, physical therapy, cortisone injections, ice massage, rest and stiff soled shoes are the treatments. It can take several weeks to heal.