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About Sesamoiditis
Treatment Options
When a Surgery Might Be Needed
Schedule Your Appointment
Targeted Relief for Pain Under the Big Toe Joint
Do you feel sharp or aching pain beneath your big toe joint—especially after wearing high heels, running, or spending long hours on your feet?
That discomfort may be more than simple soreness. You could be experiencing sesamoiditis, a painful inflammation of the tiny sesamoid bones in the ball of your foot.
At Feet for Life Podiatry Centers, our board-certified podiatrists provide advanced, non-surgical treatments for toe pain from high heels, pain under the big toe joint, and sesamoid bone inflammation—helping you walk, run, and move comfortably again.
About Sesamoiditis
What Is Sesamoiditis?
The sesamoids are two small, pea-sized bones located beneath your big toe joint. They act like pulleys, helping tendons move smoothly as you push off while walking or running. When overused or overloaded, those tendons can become inflamed—causing sesamoiditis and persistent pain in the ball of the foot.
Common Causes
- Wearing high heels or hard-soled shoes that shift pressure to the front of the foot
- Repetitive impact from running, jumping, or dancing
- Sudden increase in training or activity level
- Structural issues like flat feet or high arches
- Direct trauma, such as landing heavily on the forefoot
If untreated, sesamoiditis can lead to chronic big-toe pain or a sesamoid stress fracture.
Recognizing the Symptoms
You may have sesamoiditis if you experience:
- Tenderness or burning pain under the big toe joint
- Swelling or bruising at the ball of the foot
- Stiffness or difficulty bending the big toe
- Pain when wearing heels, dress shoes, or thin-soled sneakers
- Discomfort that improves with rest or cushioned shoes
Persistent pain under the big toe is never “normal”—especially if it worsens in high heels or barefoot.
Diagnosing and Treating Sesamoiditis
Comprehensive Diagnosis & Evaluation
At Feet for Life, diagnosis begins with a complete foot and gait evaluation by our specialists.
Using digital X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI imaging, we determine whether your pain is caused by inflammation, fracture, or tendon irritation.
Our goal: find the root cause of your toe pain and design a treatment plan that provides lasting relief.
Non-Surgical Options
Our specialists prioritize non-surgical, restorative care. Most cases of sesamoiditis respond well to conservative treatment when addressed early.
- Custom Orthotics & Cushioning Pads – Reduce pressure on the sesamoid bones
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) – Stimulates natural healing for chronic inflammation - Taping or Off-loading Footwear – Stabilizes the toe joint and relieves pain
- Anti-Inflammatory Therapy – Oral medication or targeted injections
- Footwear Guidance – Avoid high heels, rigid soles, or narrow toe boxes until fully recovered
- Physical Therapy & Rehab Exercises – Restore flexibility, strength, and proper gait
These treatments relieve pain, promote healing, and help prevent recurrence—so you can get back to your normal routine.
When Surgery May Be Needed
If imaging reveals a sesamoid fracture or severe tissue damage, surgery may be recommended. Our on-site surgical suite allows for minimally invasive procedures performed by our board-certified foot surgeons, ensuring precision, safety, and faster recovery.
Get Relief from Toe Pain Today
Whether it’s toe pain from high heels, running injuries, or pressure beneath your big toe, our specialists are here to help.
Feet for Life Centers offers same-day and next-day appointments in Clayton and Chesterfield — so you don’t have to wait for relief. Call 314-207-7280 or request an appointment online.
