Back in January I started running with old shoes and not taking any days off and I inflamed my sesamoid bones. After 3 months in orthotics and not running it still wasn't better and I was put in a walking boot for 6 weeks. It still wasn't better so three more weeks and steroids. The problem with the steroids is my stomach can't handle it and the side effects were so bad that I had to stop taking them.
I had an MRI done and they are not broken and everything looks normal. I have been going to a podiatrist and I am thinking of getting a 2nd opinion since nothing seems to be working.
So which is the best specialist doctor to go to for this? Another podiatrist? Orthopedist?
I have been told it is a non-operative issue and I really don't want my foot cut open either. I just want to get back to life and I am supposed to be a bridesmaid in a wedding at the end of September so I really need this figured out.

Thanks for any suggestions. I am in BCS if anyone knows of a good doctor to go to.

If you're having stomach issues you must be on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There's probably a reason he hasn't tried it yet, but your doctor could try an actual steroid shot into the sesamoid bone area. That's way more powerful than NSAIDs, and way more targeted, so it won't affect your stomach.

Also, have you tried dunking your foot in ice a few times a day, everyday? That might help.

Dr. Barry Solcher is a orthopod that specializes in feet.

I asked about a shot and he said that wouldn't help. I am assuming since it is the bone and not a tendon issue? The medicine that gave me the problems was methylpredisone. I have tried Advil and Aleve and neither of those helped. I have tried the ice as well.
I am thinking of ordering a dancers pad since I don't feel that the orthodics he has me in are doing much.

So, I had the same issue. The seasamoid bones (2 in each foot) are housed in the huge tendon connecting your big toe to your foot. The tendinitis that results from irritation is insane painful. I was hitting NSAIDs, ice, compression and elevating. Eventually my only option was surgery, and it was discovered that I had a crack on the inside (medial) seasamoid.
Get to an orthopedic surgeon stat. I started with my sports med guy. I adore Dr Destafano, he's in with surgeons Bramhall, Whitmere and Zissamos. LOVE them.
Not going to lie, was more painful than having 2 C-sections, and the recovery was awful. But I am now in professionally fitted running shoes with inserts and am back to distance running (it's been over a year).
Good luck to you, and I hope beyond hope they can resolve without steroids or surgery!!!

is this the one where it feels like youre walking on a sharp and pointy golfball at the toe pad? if so, i had it a few years ago, after laying of it a few weeks, it started to go away - all in it was probably a three month ordeal, but i didnt have any professional treatment either. id always thought it was metatarsalgia... regardless, it sucks. you never think about your feet until they hurt. then theyre all you think about.

@NurseC
Did you have an MRI prior to the surgery? I am told that they are intact looking at the X-ray and the MRI. I think I keep flexing that tendon which is keeping them irritated.
It is mainly the inside one at this point that is still giving me trouble.
I

Multiple x-rays and and an MRI, neither found it...he was able to easily break the bone in half when he removed it from my foot. Blows my mind.
I think laying off of it and seeing Sports Med/Orthopod is your best bet!!

I've been experiencing pain in my big toe/sesamoids for over a year now. I've tried several different remedies in order to determine which one works best. So far, these Pedifix Dancers Pads (I am not a dancer) have worked very well. In case the link doesn't work, they are called "Pedifix Pedi-gel Dancer's Pads, 2-Count."

Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004G8L36W/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i01

I fractured mine in high school. The walking boot plus steroids solved my problem. I was lucky to avoid surgery. It hasn't been an issue since.