Call Us
Book Now

Sesamoiditis: Causes, Symptoms, and Expert Podiatry Care

Book Now

Overview of Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a painful condition that affects the small sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe joint. These bones play a critical role in absorbing weight and enabling smooth movement during walking and running.

At Happy Feet Podiatry in The Junction, NSW, we provide comprehensive care for sesamoiditis, helping reduce pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence through tailored podiatric treatment.

What Is Sesamoiditis and What Are the Symptoms?

Sesamoiditis is an overuse injury involving inflammation of the tendons surrounding the sesamoid bones. These bones are embedded in the tendons of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle and help the big toe function properly.

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain under the ball of the foot at the base of the big toe
  • Discomfort that worsens with walking, running, or wearing certain shoes
  • Tenderness or swelling in the forefoot
  • Pain when bending or pushing off the big toe

Symptoms usually develop gradually and are often aggravated by high-impact activities or poor footwear.

Types of Sesamoid Conditions

Sesamoiditis

Inflammation around the sesamoid bones from repetitive stress.

Sesamoid Fracture

A break in one of the sesamoid bones, usually from trauma.

Avascular Necrosis (AVN)

Loss of blood supply to a sesamoid bone, causing chronic pain.

Turf Toe

Hyperextension injury of the big toe joint that may involve sesamoid strain.

Understanding Sesamoiditis Progression and How We Can Help at Each Stage

Early Stage

Symptoms: Mild pain under the big toe, worse with high-impact activities.

Treatment: Activity modification, footwear advice, offloading padding.

Moderate Stage

Symptoms: Constant forefoot pain, especially during walking or toe-off.

Treatment: Custom orthotics, strapping, anti-inflammatory strategies.

Advanced Stage

Symptoms: Persistent pain, altered gait, or possible sesamoid fracture.

Treatment: Imaging referral, immobilisation, possible referral for further medical or surgical intervention if unresponsive to conservative care.

Primary Causes of Sesamoiditis

Overuse or Repetitive Strain

Especially from running, dancing, or jumping activities.

Improper Footwear

Thin-soled or high-heeled shoes that increase pressure on the forefoot.

Foot Biomechanics

High arches or restricted first toe joint movement can overload the sesamoids.

Sudden Increase in Activity

Without adequate conditioning or support.

Risk Factors

Athletes (especially runners, dancers, and basketball players)

High-arched feet or limited big toe joint movement

Footwear lacking cushioning or toe support

Jobs requiring prolonged standing or walking

Identifying these factors early can prevent chronic issues.

How Is Sesamoiditis Diagnosed at Happy Feet Podiatry?

We use a structured, patient-focused approach:

  • History Taking: Exploring activity levels, footwear, and symptom timeline.

  • Physical Examination: Palpation under the first metatarsal head and big toe movement testing.

  • Biomechanical and Gait Analysis: Identifying abnormal foot loading.

  • Footwear Assessment: Examining forefoot pressure zones.

  • Imaging Referral (e.g. X-ray or MRI): If fracture or chronic damage is suspected.

Get a Professional Assessment

Don’t let pain hold you back. Our expert podiatrists are here to help diagnose and treat your condition.

Book Your Assessment Now

Podiatry Treatment Options at Happy Feet Podiatry for Sesamoiditis

  • Custom Foot Orthotics: Designed to offload pressure from the sesamoids.
  • Sesamoid Padding or Dancers’ Pads: Immediate relief by redistributing forefoot load.
  • Footwear Modifications: Recommending cushioned soles and stiff rocker-bottom shoes.
  • Low-Level Laser Therapy or Shockwave Therapy: To stimulate healing in chronic cases.
  • Taping and Strapping: To limit joint motion and reduce strain.
  • Stretching and Strengthening Programs: Especially for calves and foot musculature.

All treatments are tailored to the individual’s biomechanics, activity level, and goals.

Self-Care Tips for Sesamoiditis

  • Rest from high-impact sports and activities
  • Use a soft metatarsal pad or cushioning in shoes
  • Wear shock-absorbing shoes with a wide toe box
  • Ice the area for 10–15 minutes after activity
  • Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces

Always check with your podiatrist before attempting self-treatment.

Prevention

  • Avoid sudden increases in physical activity
  • Wear supportive, cushioned footwear—especially for sport
  • Use orthotics if you have high arches or poor foot mechanics
  • Warm up and stretch before exercise
  • Replace worn-out shoes regularly

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t let pain limit your lifestyle. Contact our expert team today for a comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plan.

Book Now
Call Us

Common Myths

Myth 1: "Sesamoiditis will go away on its own."

Truth: Without addressing the cause, it often persists or worsens.

Myth 2: "Only dancers and athletes get sesamoiditis."

Truth: Anyone with poor footwear or abnormal foot mechanics can develop it.

Myth 3: "If there’s no swelling, it’s not serious."

Truth: Many cases involve deep pain without visible signs.

Frequently Asked Questions

With early care, symptoms may improve in 4–6 weeks. Chronic cases may take longer.
You may need to modify activity. Low-impact options like swimming may be suitable during recovery.
 If foot mechanics are contributing to the issue, orthotics can be essential for long-term relief.
Rarely. Most cases respond well to conservative treatment. Surgery is reserved for persistent, severe cases.
Your podiatrist may refer you for imaging if fracture is suspected due to persistent, localised pain.
Yes, although it’s more common in the dominant foot or the one bearing more load.

When to See a Podiatrist for Sesamoiditis

  • Pain under the big toe that doesn’t improve with rest
  • Difficulty pushing off or walking normally
  • Forefoot pain affecting work, sport, or daily life
  • History of repeated forefoot injuries

The sooner treatment begins, the faster and more complete your recovery.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Pain under your big toe shouldn’t stop you from enjoying an active lifestyle. Book a consultation with Happy Feet Podiatry in The Junction, NSW. Our experienced team will help relieve your sesamoid pain and get you back on your feet—comfortably and confidently.

Book Now
Call Us

Related Articles

References
  1. Healthdirect Australia. (2023). Ball of foot pain. https://www.healthdirect.
    gov.au/ball-of-foot-pain

  2. Australian Podiatry Association. (2023). Sesamoid disorders and forefoot care. https://www.podiatry.org.au

  3. Therapeutic Guidelines. (2024). Foot and ankle conditions. https://www.tg.org.au

  4. RACGP. (2023). Managing forefoot pain in general practice. https://www.racgp.org.au

  5. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. (2022). Diagnosis and management of sesamoiditis. https://jfootankleres.biomed
    central.com

  6. Australian Journal of General Practice. (2022). Pain under the first MTPJ. https://www1.racgp.org.au/
    ajgp

  7. La Trobe University. (2021). Pressure redistribution in forefoot disorders. https://www.latrobe.edu.au

  8. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2022). Conservative treatments for metatarsal conditions. https://www.cochranelibrary.
    com

  9. Podiatry Board of Australia. (2023). Clinical guidelines for musculoskeletal podiatry. https://www.podiatryboard.
    gov.au

  10. University of Western Australia. (2020). Biomechanical loading studies. https://www.uwa.edu.au

  11. NSW Health. (2023). Forefoot pain protocols. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au

  12. Hunter New England Health. (2023). Community pathways for podiatry referrals. https://www.hnehealth.nsw.
    gov.au

  13. Australian Physiotherapy Association. (2023). Tendon overload conditions. https://australian.physio

  14. Sports Medicine Australia. (2023). Foot injury management in athletes. https://sma.org.au

  15. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2023). Musculoskeletal injury guidelines. https://www.safetyandquality.
    gov.au
References
  1. Healthdirect Australia. (2023). Ball of foot pain. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ball-of-foot-pain

  2. Australian Podiatry Association. (2023). Sesamoid disorders and forefoot care. https://www.podiatry.org.au

  3. Therapeutic Guidelines. (2024). Foot and ankle conditions. https://www.tg.org.au

  4. RACGP. (2023). Managing forefoot pain in general practice. https://www.racgp.org.au

  5. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. (2022). Diagnosis and management of sesamoiditis. https://jfootankleres.biomedcentral.com

  6. Australian Journal of General Practice. (2022). Pain under the first MTPJ. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp

  7. La Trobe University. (2021). Pressure redistribution in forefoot disorders. https://www.latrobe.edu.au

  8. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2022). Conservative treatments for metatarsal conditions. https://www.cochranelibrary.com

  9. Podiatry Board of Australia. (2023). Clinical guidelines for musculoskeletal podiatry. https://www.podiatryboard.gov.au

  10. University of Western Australia. (2020). Biomechanical loading studies. https://www.uwa.edu.au

  11. NSW Health. (2023). Forefoot pain protocols. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au

  12. Hunter New England Health. (2023). Community pathways for podiatry referrals. https://www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

  13. Australian Physiotherapy Association. (2023). Tendon overload conditions. https://australian.physio

  14. Sports Medicine Australia. (2023). Foot injury management in athletes. https://sma.org.au

  15. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2023). Musculoskeletal injury guidelines. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au