The sesamoid bones of the big toe

What it does

Two small sesamoid bones sit inside tendons beneath the head of the first metatarsal. Like tiny kneecaps, they protect the tendon of the big toe's flexor muscle and act as pulleys. They also take weight under the ball of the foot, which is why they can become sore in dancers and runners.

Nearby

• The long bones of the foot
• The toe bones
• The long big-toe flexor

Read more

• Sesamoid bones of the foot — Wikipedia