What exactly is sesamoiditis?

Inflammation : Inflammation of the sesamoids. This refers to the bottom of the head of the 1st metatarsal bone under the big toe joint. In this area there are normally 2 small "pea like" bones with ligaments and tendons attach to in order to stabilize and allow gliding motion of joint. Sesamoiditis results when these bones and/or surrounding structures get inflammed from excessive pressure, stress or trauma.

There are two: Small bones the size of peanuts that sit under the first metatarsal head when they hurt the term is sesamoiditis..

Inflamation: Of one of the two small bones that are found under the first metatarsal.

Sesamoids: Are two bones found under the first metatarsal. -itis ususally connotates inflammation. However, pain in the sesamoids whether inflammation is present or not is commonly referred to as sesamoiditis.