Sesamoiditis

Under the big toe are the two little sesamoid bones that are analogous to the patella or knee cap in how they function. For two tiny bones, a lot is expected of them as we do pivot of them when we play sport. They really do get subjected to a lot of load. Sesamoiditis is the condition that you get when there is an inflammation of the bone and surrounding tissues. The diagnosis is usually obvious with the pain located to the bone and the most common differential diagnosis is a fracture of the sesamoid bone. X-rays can be useful to rule this out but the sesamoid is often in two pieces normally. The most common treatment is to use padding or foot orthotics to off-load the area and sometimes cortisone to help the inflammation. At today’s clinic, we sent two off for surgery, which is the next option for chronic sesamoiditis.