Sesamoiditis is a condition that causes pain beneath the big toe joint, often felt in the ball of the foot. Many people describe the discomfort as sharp, aching, or bruised — especially when walking, running, or pushing off the toes.
Because the pain is located in a small but highly active area of the foot, it can interfere with daily activities if not properly treated.
Our foot clinic provides professional sesamoiditis treatment in Toronto focused on relieving pressure and promoting healing.
Sesamoiditis occurs when the small sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe joint become irritated or inflamed. These tiny bones act like pulleys, helping the tendon glide smoothly and absorb pressure during movement.
Repeated stress can inflame the surrounding tissues, leading to pain and tenderness in the forefoot.
Common contributing factors include:
Repetitive impact from running or jumping
High heels or thin-soled footwear
High arches
Sudden increase in activity
Prolonged standing
Forefoot overload or abnormal foot mechanics
In some cases, a stress fracture of a sesamoid bone may produce similar symptoms, making proper assessment important.
You may notice:
Pain directly under the big toe joint
Discomfort when pushing off during walking
Tenderness when pressing beneath the toe
Swelling in the forefoot
Increased pain when wearing thin or flexible shoes
Symptoms may worsen with activity and improve with rest.
Treatment focuses on reducing pressure and allowing the area to recover.
Biomechanical assessment helps determine whether foot structure or walking patterns are contributing to increased forefoot pressure.
Custom orthotics may be recommended to offload the sesamoid area and redistribute weight away from the painful joint.
Padding and offloading techniques may be used to cushion the area and reduce direct pressure during walking.
Activity modification guidance may be provided to temporarily reduce strain while healing occurs.
Shockwave therapy may be considered for persistent inflammation to stimulate tissue healing and reduce chronic pain.
Treatment plans are individualized depending on symptom severity and activity level.
Consider booking an assessment if:
Pain under the big toe persists for several weeks
Walking or exercise becomes uncomfortable
Symptoms worsen despite rest
Swelling continues
You suspect a stress-related injury
Early intervention can help prevent prolonged forefoot pain.
If you are experiencing pain beneath your big toe joint, a professional assessment can help determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Book an appointment today for sesamoiditis treatment at our Toronto foot clinic.
