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.
Turf toe and sesamoiditis are two of the most commonly confused forefoot conditions in active patients both producing pain at the base of the big toe that worsens with push-off, both associated with athletic activity, and both frequently mismanaged because the diagnosis is assumed rather than confirmed. Turf toe is a ligamentous injury caused by acute hyperextension of the first MTP joint the onset is typically sudden, associated with a specific mechanism of injury, and involves the capsuloligamentous complex and occasionally the sesamoid bones. Sesamoiditis, by contrast, is an inflammatory condition affecting the sesamoid bones beneath the first MTP joint the two small bones embedded in the flexor hallucis brevis tendon caused by repetitive compressive loading rather than acute ligament injury, with a gradual onset and a distinctly different pattern of tenderness. At Healthy Feet Podiatry, our NYC specialists distinguish between these conditions using clinical palpation mapping, weight-bearing X-ray, and MRI when sesamoid stress fracture or avascular necrosis must be excluded conditions that demand immediate non-weight-bearing and specialist management.
Turf toe management focuses on protecting the injured capsuloligamentous complex from further dorsiflexion stress using rigid taping, stiff-soled footwear, and in Grade II and III injuries, formal immobilization and rehabilitation targeting ligament healing and joint stability restoration. Sesamoiditis management focuses on offloading compressive and shear stress from the sesamoid bones using dancer’s pads, sesamoid-specific orthotic modifications, relative activity reduction, and anti-inflammatory therapy, with strict non-weight-bearing and MRI re-evaluation for cases that fail to improve within six to eight weeks to exclude sesamoid stress fracture. When both conditions coexist a Grade III turf toe with sesamoid involvement the treatment plan must address both components simultaneously, sequencing rehabilitation to protect the sesamoid during the ligamentous recovery phase. At Healthy Feet Podiatry, our NYC specialists manage this complexity with the diagnostic rigor and treatment precision it demands.
Healthy Feet Podiatry’s NYC first MTP joint specialists have diagnosed and treated hundreds of turf toe and sesamoiditis cases and our clinical precision in differentiating these conditions is one of the primary reasons our patients achieve complete recoveries rather than the lingering forefoot pain that follows years of misdiagnosis and mistreatment. On-site digital X-ray and MRI referral capability at our Manhattan locations means you receive a tissue-level diagnosis at your first appointment rather than a working assumption. We serve patients across Manhattan and the five boroughs, accepting most major insurance plans for first MTP joint evaluation and management. If forefoot pain at the base of your big toe has been slowing you down and you’re not confident you have the right diagnosis, Healthy Feet Podiatry is where to get the definitive answer.
TESTIMONIAL
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.
Everyone was super friendly. Doctor Rick’s explained everything thoroughly.
Dr Bell was incredibly thorough and personable. Gave me great information and useful information for my next steps. A great experience!
“Fast, professional, and very clean office. I was checked in and seen within 10 minutes of my scheduled time. Dr. Ricks was straight to the point but thorough. The front desk staff was also incredibly helpful.
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!!
Well before I came in today to see Dr. Ricks my foot in pain was 9/10 and now I feel good 🙏🏿🤩 thanks
Behind every great care experience is a team that truly listens. Our doctors are committed to understanding your needs, delivering personalized treatment, and supporting you every step of your health journey.
Dr. Farah Alani is a New York City foot and ankle surgeon at To Healthy Feet Podiatry, a boutique podiatry practice located in the heart…
Dr. Alison Bell was born in Manhattan and is a Public Health graduate of Charles R. Drew University. She obtained her medical degree from Kent…
Dr. Roxann Clarke is a graduate of Hampton University in Virginia, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Master of Science…
Dr. Ricks is a board-certified fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon committed to delivering top-tier foot and ankle care. From New Jersey, she a Bachelor’s in…
As the Chief Operating Officer of To Healthy Feet Podiatry, Tiffany provides leadership to ensure all administrative are producing optimal results. Dr….
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