Condition
Sesamoiditis Treatment
Care for pain under the big-toe joint from foot and ankle physicians — and a check that it is not a fracture.
About the condition
What sesamoiditis is
Symptoms
Common symptoms
- Pain under the ball of the foot, beneath the big toe
- Pain that builds gradually and worsens with push-off or bending the toe up
- Mild swelling or bruising under the joint
- Discomfort walking barefoot or in thin-soled shoes
Causes and usual care
Repeated pressure on the ball of the foot — running, jumping, dance, high heels — is the usual cause. A high arch or a bony foot adds load. A sesamoid can also crack, from a single injury or repeated stress, and a fracture is treated differently, so imaging is often needed.
Treatment usually means rest from the activity that hurts, padding to take pressure off the sesamoids, a cushioned or stiff-soled shoe, taping and orthotics, and sometimes a short period in a boot. Pain that persists needs a closer look for a fracture or other cause.
Regenerative care
Where regenerative care may fit
- Pain under the big-toe joint that has not settled with padding, footwear and rest
- Irritated tendon and soft tissue around the sesamoids
- A sesamoid fracture that is slow to heal
Not everyone is a candidate. Our physicians evaluate your condition and imaging before recommending any treatment.
When it is not the right answer
A fresh fracture usually needs protection first, and a sesamoid that has failed to heal can sometimes need surgery. Your physician will review your imaging and tell you which applies.
Your options
Regenerative options we may use
Where we treat it
Our locations
Most consultations begin as a telehealth call, so you can start without travelling to a clinic.
Sesamoiditis — common questions
How do I know if it is sesamoiditis or a fracture?
They cause pain in the same place, and some people have a sesamoid split into two pieces from birth, which can look like a fracture. Imaging and a hands-on exam are how a physician tells them apart.
Can I keep running with sesamoiditis?
Running on it usually keeps the pain going. Most people need a period of reduced load while the tissue settles; your physician will guide your return.
Do I need surgery?
Rarely. Most cases settle with conservative care. Our physicians specialize in non-surgical options and will only recommend surgery when it is truly the right answer.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. Your consultation is free, and you will get specific numbers for your own plan before you commit to anything. Most consultations begin as a telehealth call.
Does insurance cover regenerative treatment?
Regenerative treatments — stem cell therapy, exosome therapy, PRP, peptide therapy and BMAC — are not covered by insurance, and we do not bill insurance for them. Many patients use HSA or FSA funds where their plan allows it, and CareCredit and Affirm Pay-in-4 are available at checkout. See financing and our published prices.
Request an evaluation
Request your free consultation
Tell us what's going on and we'll call you back to arrange a time. Most consultations begin as a telehealth call, so you can start without travelling to a clinic. No referral needed.
Talk to a physician about sesamoiditis.
Speak with a physician specialist about your options — including when regenerative treatment is not the answer.