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Sesamoiditis Treatment in Glen Iris

Expert podiatry for sesamoiditis and big toe joint pain — in-clinic and in-home across Glen Iris.

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Suffering From Sesamoiditis in Glen Iris?

Sesamoiditis involves inflammation or irritation of the sesamoid bones and surrounding tendons in the foot. These two small, pea-sized bones are unique; unlike most bones, they are embedded within a tendon, similar to the kneecap. Located beneath the head of the first metatarsal bone, at the base of the big toe, sesamoids are crucial for foot mechanics. They act as a pulley system, providing leverage for the big toe during push-off, absorbing shock, and protecting local tendons.

Inflammation of these sesamoid bones or their encasing tendons leads to sesamoiditis, often an overuse injury from repetitive stress or trauma to the forefoot.

Common Symptoms & Causes Of Sesamoiditis

  • Pain under the big toe or ball of the foot: The most prominent symptom, often a dull ache that sharpens with activity like pushing off, running, jumping, or wearing high heels [1, 5].
  • Swelling and/or bruising: Inflammation around the big toe joint can cause visible swelling and, occasionally, bruising [5].
  • Difficulty bending or straightening the big toe: Pain and inflammation can restrict big toe range of motion [1].
  • Tenderness to touch: The area directly beneath the big toe may be sensitive when pressed [1].
  • Pain that increases with activity and decreases with rest: Activities stressing the forefoot, such as walking, running, or dancing, exacerbate pain [4].

Our Sesamoiditis Treatment Approach

Every patient is different. We start with a thorough assessment to understand exactly what’s causing your pain — then build a personalised treatment plan around your goals, lifestyle, and timeline.

  • Load Management: Structured activity modification to reduce forefoot stress and allow the sesamoids to heal.
  • Custom Orthotic Prescription: Bespoke orthotics with sesamoid offloading to redistribute pressure away from the big toe joint.
  • Taping & Strapping: Low-dye and sesamoid offloading taping to provide immediate pain relief.
  • Footwear Assessment: Detailed footwear review and recommendations to reduce forefoot pressure.
  • Exercise Rehabilitation: Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening and big toe mobility exercises.
  • Shockwave Therapy: Applied to the sesamoid area for chronic or resistant cases.
  • Patient Education: Guidance on activity modification, footwear, and realistic recovery timelines.

In-Clinic & In-Home Available

We treat patients both at our Glen Iris clinic and in the comfort of your own home — ideal for patients who find it difficult to travel.

NDIS Participants Welcome — We work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Contact us to discuss your funding options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sesamoid bones are small, independent bones embedded within tendons, acting like pulleys to provide leverage and reduce friction. In the foot, two pea-sized sesamoids are located under the head of the first metatarsal bone, beneath the big toe joint.
Sesamoiditis is primarily an overuse injury caused by repetitive stress on the sesamoid bones and their surrounding tendons. Activities involving frequent pushing off the toes, such as running, dancing, or wearing high heels, are common culprits.
The most common symptom is pain in the ball of the foot, directly under the big toe joint. This pain often worsens with activity and may be accompanied by difficulty bending the big toe, tenderness to touch, and sometimes localized swelling.
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination, where a clinician assesses tenderness and range of motion. Imaging tests like X-rays, bone scans, CT scans, or MRI may be used to rule out fractures or other conditions.
Recovery time for Sesamoiditis varies depending on severity and adherence to treatment. Mild cases may resolve within days or weeks with rest and conservative care, while more severe or chronic cases can take several months to fully heal.
Prevention involves addressing contributing factors such as wearing supportive footwear, avoiding prolonged activities that aggravate the condition, and gradually increasing activity levels. Custom orthotics can also help redistribute pressure and prevent recurrence.

Ready to Get Started?

Book an appointment for sesamoiditis treatment at our Glen Iris clinic today.

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Or call us: (03) 9999 7271