Open

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun*: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (*alternating)

Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!
Open

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun*: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (*alternating)

Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!
Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

Share:

Sesamoiditis: Explained

There are countless causes of foot pain. One cause not often discussed is a foot condition called sesamoiditis, a type of inflammation of the sesamoid bones.

A sesamoid is a type of bone embedded in a tendon; they’re in numerous body parts, such as the hands. Sesamoiditis targets the sesamoid bones in the foot, which look like two small, circular bones located beneath the big toe joint.

Today, we will discuss what sesamoiditis is, who is at risk, and how you can receive treatment for this painful foot condition.

What is Sesamoiditis?

Sesamoiditis is a type of tendonitis (tendon inflammation). Specifically, it is classified as inflammation of the sesamoid bones and tendons in the ball of the foot.

Sesamoiditis is a unique condition in that the sesamoid bones are the only bones in our body that are connected just to tendons – not other bones. Because of this, the sesamoid bones in our feet bear the brunt of insufficient shock absorption, causing inflammation and pain.

Other types of tendonitis in the foot include Achilles tendonitis (inflammation of the Achilles tendon) and extensor tendonitis (inflammation of the extensor tendons on the top of the foot).

Naturalistic visualization of foot with sesamoid bones. Anatomy of joints, human leg realistic black and yellow transparente skeleton. view. For medical orthopedic advertising. Vector illustration stock vector.

Symptoms of Sesamoiditis

  • Big toe pain, specifically pain under the big toe
  • Bruising
  • Difficulty bending the big toe
  • Pain on the bottom of the foot
  • Mobility issues: the inflammation of the sesamoid bones can make it difficult for the feet to bear weight
  • Redness and swelling on the bottom of the foot

Who is at Risk of Developing Sesamoiditis?

Sesamoiditis is an overuse injury, so physically active people are at risk. Since athletes, dancers and runners bear weight on the balls of their feet repeatedly, they often don’t get enough shock absorption and protection from the ground’s surface. This repeated stress is one of most common cause of sesamoiditis in young adults.

When it comes to older adults, those with osteoarthritis and bone spurs are prone to developing sesamoiditis. The sesamoid bones are already weak when you have these conditions, so they’re more susceptible to inflammation.

Additional risk factors include:

Sesamoiditis Treatment and Prevention

Wearing custom orthotics can help unload the stress on the sesamoid bones by correcting any biomechanical abnormalities that are causing excessive strain on the sesamoid bones. Likewise, they’re a great way to relieve pain and also prevent the development of sesamoiditis. They provide both cushioning and the ability to correct the problem over time. These are a great option for severe pain since they fully conform to the unique shape of your foot. Superfeet insoles can also be a good option for cushioning, shock absorption and arch support if your case is mild.

Proper footwear with good support and cushioning is also essential for relieving (and even preventing) pain associated with sesamoiditis.

Your family doctor or foot specialist may also suggest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, to help with the pain. A specialist, like a chiropodist, may be able to tape your big toe, so it slightly points downward, providing relief.

Sesamoiditis Treatment at Home

  • Rest and relaxation
  • Ice and elevation
  • Avoiding physical activity
  • Investing in well-fitted shoes with supportive and comfortable features. Specifically, soft soles and low heels are helpful, like the ASICS Gel Nimbus.

We're Here to Help You!

If you’re experiencing foot pain, our chiropodists can help. Call us at 416-769-3338 (FEET) or use our online booking form to schedule a foot assessment.

Related Posts

Book your appointment online

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

IMG_1562

Emily

Administrative Assistant

Emily is the newest addition to the Feet First family. She assists with the clinic’s accounting and finances, as well as all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the clinic running smoothly. In addition to her accounting smarts, she brings sunshine and positivity to everyone at Feet First Clinic.

Erica Halpern

Marketing and Administrative Assistant (She/Her)

Part of our administrative support staff, Erica also works behind the scenes writing and editing content for our website and blog. She loves researching and writing educational content to help patients and anyone dealing with pain. When she’s not busy in the clinic, you’ll find her at her local gym, exploring underground music, hiking with friends, or cheering on her favourite sports teams (Go Jays!). She also loves huskies!

Sophie Rudahigan

Clinic Administrator (She/Her)
Sophie prides herself on providing top-tier customer service. She is here to ensure a smooth visit for all clients. In addition to overseeing the clinic’s administration and day-to-day operations, she maintains the cosmetic appearance of the store. She is the magic behind our elaborate display case designs and also ensures the clinic is stocked with stylish (but still orthopedic!) footwear options for all ages.

Bianca Carter

CEO (She/Her)

Day in and out, Bianca works hard to ensure Feet First Clinic runs smoothly. Customer service is at the top of her list and she treats every customer like family. Bianca has a passion for fitness and is dedicated to helping people take care of their feet and body. There is no problem that she can’t solve and she believes that where there is a will, there’s a way.

Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

If you’ve been to the clinic before, chances are you had the pleasure of meeting Carolina! Carolina’s daily goal is going above and beyond to make sure patients are always completely satisfied. Having worked in the podiatry industry for 22 years, Carolina brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to client service, insurance policies, and procedures.​ She steers the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly on the daily. Carolina is known for spicing up every outfit with her signature costume jewellery.