Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of the sesamoid bones. In humans, there are two sesamoid bones on the bottom of the foot behind the large toe. The sesamoid bones act as a fulcrum for the flexor tendons, (the tendons which bend the big toe downwards).

In humans it is usually caused by a sudden bending of the big toe upwards, wearing high heels or stumbling / stubbing the toe.

Treatment in humans consists of anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and immobilizing the big toe by wrapping it to connect with the other toes.

In a horse sesamoiditis is generally caused by the stressing of the fetlock joint. Features to look for in a horse that could promote sesamoiditis include longer pasterns or horses which have long toes and low heels.