The sesamoid bones are small pea like bones located within the tendon that runs under the big toe joint.

Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of the sesamoid bones, along with the surrounding tissues.

It is oftern expereinced as pain below the 1st big toe joint at the ball of the foot. The pain usually gets worse over time although it can have a sudden onset. Pain is generally experienced during activities requiring excessive loading of the ball of the foot such as dancing, sprinting and even walking. The condition is also more common in people with bony higher arched feet or those who tend to run on the balls of their feet.

Sesamoiditis typically presents gradually, starting as a mild ache increasing over time to an intense throbbing. People participating in activities and sports that involve repetitive, excessive loading of the ball of the foot such as dancing, sprinting or even walking often suffer from this condition. It aso affects people with bony, higher arched feet, marked flat feet or those who tend to run on the ball of their foot.

Treatment can involve some of the following:

• immobilisation
• strapping
• orthotics
• injection therapy