What Is Sesamoiditis?

Sesamoiditis is an inflammatory condition affecting the small sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe joint. These tiny bones help absorb pressure and assist with movement during walking, running, and pushing off the foot.

When excessive stress or repetitive pressure irritates the sesamoid bones and surrounding tendons, inflammation and pain can develop. Sesamoiditis is especially common among runners, dancers, athletes, and individuals who spend long periods on their feet.

Without proper treatment, the condition can lead to chronic pain, swelling, and difficulty participating in normal daily activities or sports.

Sesamoiditis Treatment Options

At our New York foot clinic, we carefully assess your symptoms, activity level, foot structure, and walking mechanics to create a personalized treatment plan designed to relieve pressure beneath the big toe joint and reduce inflammation.

Treatment typically focuses on reducing stress on the sesamoid bones through rest, supportive footwear, orthotics, anti-inflammatory therapy, and activity modification. In severe or persistent cases, surgical intervention may occasionally be recommended.

Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility with conservative treatment and proper offloading of pressure beneath the big toe joint. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent chronic inflammation and long-term discomfort.

With appropriate treatment and supportive footwear, many patients are able to return to normal activities and sports comfortably.

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Rest & Activity Modification

Reducing high-impact activities and limiting pressure on the forefoot allows the inflamed sesamoid bones and surrounding tissue time to heal properly.

Ice Therapy & NSAIDs

Applying ice and using anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may help reduce swelling, inflammation, and discomfort beneath the big toe joint.

Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics and padding help redistribute pressure away from the sesamoid bones and improve foot mechanics during walking and activity.

Supportive Footwear

Proper footwear with cushioning and adequate forefoot support can help minimize stress on the affected area and prevent symptom recurrence.

Treatment Duration & Recovery

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the inflammation and patient compliance with treatment recommendations. Mild cases may improve within several weeks, while chronic or severe cases may require extended periods of activity modification and support.

Patients undergoing surgery may require additional recovery time, immobilization, and rehabilitation depending on the specific procedure performed.

Get Back to Your Active Lifestyle With Our Customized Foot Treatments

If Sesamoiditis, or any other foot/ankle condition, is preventing you from living a fully active and happy life, our team of award-winning foot doctors can help!

Serving the Downtown and Midtown Manhattan areas of NYC, we get you back to doing the things you love quickly. Call us at 917-398-3668 or book an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes scar tissue builds up in a tendon and causes the tendon to lose its elasticity. At that point, chronic Achilles tendinitis can be treated by removing the scar tissue using a minimally invasive procedure like Tenex. This uses a wand that transmits ultrasonic energy to break through the scar tissue leaving healthy tissue behind. Downtime is minimal and return to normal activity is about a week.

Warm-up before and cool down after your workout routine. Slowly increase the intensity of your exercise over a period of time. If you’re using equipment at the gym, make sure you know how to use it safely and also with the form and posture. If unsure, always ask!
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Grab a resistance band (or even a stretchy t-shirt)! Place the band or shirt around the ball of your foot. Pull the two ends of the band or shirt towards you until you feel a nice stretch in the back of your leg. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this 5-10 times for both legs!

Achilles tendonitis rarely requires surgery. However, if treatment is delayed or neglected, there could be further damage such as a tendon tear. This would require surgical repair, and although we can do this with minimally invasive techniques, it is better to prevent damage when possible. Don’t ignore your pain. See your podiatrist as soon as possible.

RELATED SERVICES

By accurately diagnosing, treating, and preventing lower leg, foot, and ankle conditions and ailments, we get you on your way back to healthy feet!Β  We use conservative care and only activate surgeries when absolutely necessary.Β  Here are some of the foot and ankle conditions we treat. Get that peace of mind, and reach out and book an appointment with us today!

ANKLE SPRAIN

BUNION/HALLUX VALGUS

MORTON'S NEUROMA

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

TESTIMONIAL

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Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.

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Dr Bell was incredibly thorough and personable. Gave me great information and useful information for my next steps. A great experience!

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All of the staff are super welcoming and professional! Bianca took excellent care in getting my X-rays. Dr. Ricks was thorough in explaining my diagnosis and next steps. Highly recommended!!

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Well before I came in today to see Dr. Ricks my foot in pain was 9/10 and now I feel good πŸ™πŸΏπŸ€© thanks

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