Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis causes severe pain under the first metatarsal head or under the joint that connects the foot to the great toe. It involves severe inflammation of the sesamoid bones and tendons.

Custom insoles can help bring about pain relief in sesamoiditis by mapping the pressure under the first metatarsal head and then offloading it with the use of specialized materials. 

A sesamoid is a bone embedded in a tendon. Sesamoids are found in several joints in the body. In the normal foot, the sesamoids are two pea-shaped bones located in the ball of the foot, beneath the big toe joint. Sesamoiditis is caused by overuse of the first metatarsal head which causes an increase in the pressure that is effected on the sesamoid bones.

Acting as a pulley for tendons, the sesamoids help the big toe move normally and provide leverage when the big toe pushes off during walking and running. The sesamoids also serve as a weight bearing surface for the first metatarsal bone (the long bone connected to the big toe), absorbing the weight placed on the ball of the foot when walking, running and jumping.

Sesamoid injuries can involve the bones, tendons and/or surrounding tissue in the joint. They are often associated with activities requiring increased pressure on the ball of the foot, such as running, basketball, football, golf, tennis and ballet. In addition, people with high arches are at risk for developing sesamoid problems. Frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes can also be a contributing factor.

Orthotic insoles can be custom designed to relieve pressure in the sesamoid region. At Podiapro, we use specialized materials for active and passive protection in the sesamoid zone that reduces the pressure by a large amount.