Podiatry
Sesamoiditis
Irritation around the small sesamoid bones under the big toe joint, causing pain with push-off and when rising onto your toes.
Sesamoid bones are small, pea-shaped bones located within tendons. They act like pulleys, helping tendons track efficiently and leverage forces as they move. While there are several sesamoid bones in the body, the term usually refers to the two small bones located under the big toe joint.
Because these tiny bones are essential for generating force through the big toe tendon, they're subject to high amounts of stress, particularly during activities that load the ball of the foot. Normally, these bones help shield the ball of the foot from pressure — but when that pressure exceeds what the bones can absorb, the force transfers to the surrounding tendon, which can become irritated. In rare cases, particularly with sudden impact, the force can be strong enough to fracture the sesamoid bone.
Risk factors
- High-impact sports requiring sudden acceleration, such as sprinting, dancing, and jumping
- Tight-fitting shoes or high heels
- Systemic health issues such as osteoporosis, gout, or arthritis
- A previous injury to the big toe
Common symptoms
- Aching, swelling, warmth, and tenderness under the big toe joint
- Pain in the ball of the foot that increases with push-off during walking, jumping, or running
- Pain in the ball of the foot when rising onto your toes
- Restricted movement in the big toe
- An altered gait
- For fractures, a distinct 'pop' sensation in the big toe joint
Assessment & treatment
Treatment
Management depends on the onset, duration, and severity of your symptoms. Your clinician will assess your condition to rule out more serious injuries, such as a fracture, since these are managed differently from an overuse injury. Management may include:
Treatment may include:
- Anti-inflammatories
- Splinting or temporary immobilisation
- Referral for imaging
- Shockwave therapy
- Orthotics
- Changes to footwear
- Running technique and loading adjustments
- A progressive loading program
How Simba Health treats Sesamoiditis
Our podiatry clinicians assess the cause of your symptoms and build a personalised, evidence-based plan to treat Sesamoiditis. With no GP referral required and initial appointments from $109, you can start care quickly at a clinic near you.
Podiatry near you
Frequently asked questions
No. You can book podiatry directly at Simba Health with no GP referral, so you can start treatment for Sesamoiditis without delay. Initial appointments start from $109. A referral may still help if you're claiming under a care plan.
Sesamoiditis is treated under our podiatry service, with initial consultations from $109 and lower follow-up fees. We keep our pricing transparent so you know what to expect before your appointment.
Our podiatry clinicians assess the underlying cause of your symptoms, then build a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan for Sesamoiditis. Many people start to notice improvement once the right plan is underway.
Not sure this is right for you?
Call us and we'll help you find the right service and clinician for your needs.
(02) 9188 0544