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.
