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Inflammation of Sesamoiditis 

The sesamoid bones are two small accessory bones found beneath the big toe joint. They function as your kneecap functions, to help guide a tendon as the joint moves. These two bones are each about the size of a marble. Due to their weight bearing location, they are subject to a lot of stress. Inflammation of these bones is called sesamoiditis. Physically active people, especially runners, dancers, and those who participate in barefoot activities, are most prone to inflammation of these small bones. Other underlying causes include foot type, high-heeled shoes, and faulty biomechanics. The treatment goal is to offload stress to the sessamoids. This is done by rest, changing shoe gear, and sometimes orthotics. There are also medications utilized to decrease the symptoms, such as a steroid injection. Dr. Scott M. Reich, DPM Foot Care Group, P.A. Wilmington, DE