Sesamoiditis is an inflammatory condition affecting the small sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe joint. These pea-sized bones are embedded within tendons and help absorb weight-bearing forces during walking and running. When they become irritated or injured, it can lead to pain and swelling in the ball of the foot.
Sesamoiditis is typically the result of repetitive stress or overuse - especially from high-impact activities such as running, dancing, or sports that involve jumping. Tight calf muscles, poor footwear, or foot structure abnormalities can also increase risk.
Patients often report pain under the ball of the foot near the big toe, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Your foot specialist will take a thorough history and perform a focused physical exam around the big toe joint. X-rays are commonly ordered to assess bone structure and rule out fractures. In persistent or complex cases, imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to evaluate soft tissue and bone involvement in greater detail.
