Dr. Chester Laskoski
Foot and Ankle Care

Foot Problems

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a common ailment that affects the forefoot, typically in young people who engage in physical activity like running or dancing. Its most common symptom is pain in the ball-of-the-foot. The term is a general description for any irritation of the sesamoid bones, which are tiny bones within the tendons that run to the big toe. Every time you push off against the toe the sesamoids are involved, and eventually they can become irritated, even fractured.

The pain usually begins as a mild ache and increases gradually as the aggravating activity is continued. It may build to an intense throbbing. In most cases there is little or no bruising or redness. Treatment for sesamoiditis is almost always noninvasive. Proper shoe selection and orthoses can help.