(HealthDay News) -- Most bones connect to other bones. Bones that connect to tendons or muscles instead are called sesamoids.

The kneecap is the body's biggest sesamoid, and there are two other key ones near the big toe on the underside of the foot. When the tendons that surround these bones become irritated and inflamed, it's called sesamoiditis.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions to help the foot condition heal:

• Don't aggravate the injury with continued activity that first triggered the pain.
• Take ibuprofen or aspirin to manage pain. Also, rest the injury and apply an ice pack.
• Wear shoes with a low heel and soft sole. Apply a felt pad to cushion the injury.
• Resume typical activity slowly, remembering to avoid putting weight on the balls of your feet.
• Use tape on the big toe to bend it downward a bit.