Sesamoiditis may not be a household name, but if you’re dealing with forefoot pain beneath your big toe, this condition might be the culprit. At Bellagio Foot & Ankle, we often treat this underrecognized issue—especially in runners, dancers, and people who spend a lot of time on their feet.
Sesamoids are two tiny bones embedded in the tendons beneath the ball of your foot, just under the big toe joint. Think of them like the kneecap, but for your foot. These bones help the tendons move smoothly and bear your weight during motion. But when they become inflamed due to repetitive stress or trauma, the result is sesamoiditis—chronic inflammation of these small but mighty bones.
The pain typically feels like a dull ache or sharp discomfort right under the big toe. It may worsen during activities like walking, climbing stairs, or wearing high heels. In some cases, swelling or bruising might also occur. Because this pain can mimic other conditions, such as turf toe or a stress fracture, getting an accurate diagnosis is essential.
At Bellagio Foot & Ankle, we use clinical exams and imaging tools to confirm the diagnosis. Once we’ve identified sesamoiditis, treatment typically starts with rest, ice, and footwear changes. Custom orthotics that offload pressure from the sesamoid bones can make a big difference. In more persistent cases, immobilization or corticosteroid injections may be needed. Surgery is rare but may be considered if conservative treatments fail.
Early treatment prevents long-term damage. If you’re feeling persistent pain beneath your big toe, don’t ignore it. Contact Bellagio Foot & Ankle to get a thorough evaluation and customized care plan. We’re here to keep you moving—comfortably and pain-free.
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Sesamoiditis may not be a household name, but if you’re dealing with forefoot pain beneath your big toe, this condition might be the culprit. At Bellagio Foot & Ankle, we often treat this underrecognized issue—especially in runners, dancers, and people who spend a lot of time on their feet.
Sesamoids are two tiny bones embedded in the tendons beneath the ball of your foot, just under the big toe joint. Think of them like the kneecap, but for your foot. These bones help the tendons move smoothly and bear your weight during motion. But when they become inflamed due to repetitive stress or trauma, the result is sesamoiditis—chronic inflammation of these small but mighty bones.
The pain typically feels like a dull ache or sharp discomfort right under the big toe. It may worsen during activities like walking, climbing stairs, or wearing high heels. In some cases, swelling or bruising might also occur. Because this pain can mimic other conditions, such as turf toe or a stress fracture, getting an accurate diagnosis is essential.
At Bellagio Foot & Ankle, we use clinical exams and imaging tools to confirm the diagnosis. Once we’ve identified sesamoiditis, treatment typically starts with rest, ice, and footwear changes. Custom orthotics that offload pressure from the sesamoid bones can make a big difference. In more persistent cases, immobilization or corticosteroid injections may be needed. Surgery is rare but may be considered if conservative treatments fail.
Early treatment prevents long-term damage. If you’re feeling persistent pain beneath your big toe, don’t ignore it. Contact Bellagio Foot & Ankle to get a thorough evaluation and customized care plan. We’re here to keep you moving—comfortably and pain-free.