If you feel a sharp, aching or bruised sensation under the base of your big toe—especially when walking, running or wearing certain shoes—you might be dealing with sesamoiditis.
At Move4 Physio, our specialist sports podiatrist provides personalised assessment and treatment to reduce inflammation, offload the area, and help you move pain-free again.
Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the sesamoid bones—two small bones embedded in the tendon beneath your big toe joint. These bones help absorb weight and act like pulleys for your tendons, but when they become irritated through overuse or excess pressure, they can become painful and inflamed.
Common symptoms include:
Pain or tenderness beneath the big toe joint
Discomfort when pushing off the foot (walking, running or jumping)
Swelling or bruising under the forefoot
Pain in tight shoes or high heels
A feeling of walking on something hard or sharp
Sesamoiditis is often caused by load imbalance, inappropriate footwear, or underlying biomechanical issues. Our podiatrist will carry out a detailed assessment to identify the cause and create a tailored treatment plan.
Your plan may include:
✅ Gait and pressure analysis
✅ Footwear advice (including cushioning and rocker soles)
✅ Offloading padding or strapping techniques
✅ Custom orthotics to reduce pressure on the sesamoids
✅ Strength and mobility exercises for the foot and ankle
✅ Activity modification and gradual return to sport
✅ Collaboration with our physio team for rehab if needed
The goal isn’t just short-term pain relief—it’s long-term protection and prevention.
Sesamoiditis is often misdiagnosed or confused with other types of forefoot pain. Our podiatrist has the tools and expertise to assess how your feet load and function—and deliver treatment options that address the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Still unsure if it’s sesamoiditis—or how to deal with it? Book a free 5-minute call with our podiatrist to talk through your symptoms, get initial advice, and find out whether this service is right for you.
👉 Click here to book online or give us a call.
Don’t let toe pain stop you in your tracks—let’s take pressure off, together.
