Why do I have pain under my big toe joint?

Pain under the big toe joint is common and can seriously impact your quality of life. It can limit daily activities, work, and exercise. If you suffer from pain under the big toe joint, you could have sesamoiditis.


The sesamoid bones are two small bones located under the big toe joint within the tendons that run to the end of the big toe. Due to their location, they are subjected to massive amounts of pressure every time the big toe is used to push you forward, especially with running.


What are my symptoms?

Sesamoiditis typically starts as a mild ache under the big toe joint and gradually becomes worse. In some cases, it will cause intense throbbing pain even at rest. Once sesamoiditis starts, it is difficult to enjoy simple activities, even walking.


What can I do to help?

After a full examination of your feet, legs, and walking pattern, our Podiatrist will develop the best course of action.


Firstly, we need to reduce the pressure through the two small bones and redirect your weight away from the area. This can be done through specific padding and strapping and will quickly reduce your symptoms.


Rest, Ice, and oral anti-inflammatory medication are also beneficial for this condition, however, they work best when combined with customised orthotics. 


Custom foot orthotics control abnormal foot movement while allowing normal foot function to occur. Custom foot orthotics will also reduce the likelihood of your sesamoiditis returning.


Eliminating your big toe joint pain means you can once again enjoy long walks and runs completely pain-free.


To make an appointment with one of our experienced Podiatrists, call us at (07) 4529 7430 or book an appointment here.

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A recent study shows that 1 in 5 people develop foot pain at some stage throughout their lives. This is influenced by your job, activity, and lifestyle, and the more active you are, the more likely you will develop foot pain. Fixing foot pain is what we do, so how does your Podiatrist at Sole Focus Podiatry support your sole? We have many treatment options available, and the underlying cause of your sore feet will determine the best treatment option. Footwear Advice In some cases, simple footwear advice is all that’s required, and it’s essential to make sure your footwear matches the activity and your foot type. If you’re on your feet all day, then you need a shoe that is both supportive and stable and has adequate cushioning. Suitable footwear comes with a price, but how valuable are your feet? Orthotics If you have flat feet, you may benefit from having orthotics made. When you stand, if your foot flattens and rolls inwards at the ankle too much, it places a lot of on the muscles and tendons, and this is often the source of many long-term foot and ankle problems. Shockwave Therapy If you have a typical foot type, and we’ll tell you if this is the case, yet you are still getting sore feet, you may benefit from Shockwave Therapy. Shockwave therapy delivers gentle, focused acoustic waves to the painful/damaged tissues. It is clinically proven to treat various foot and leg conditions, including heel pain, heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and knee pain. Exercises Yes, suitable footwear and orthotics can help, but you need to focus on strengthening your feet so they can withstand higher forces. Our Podiatrists can curate a personalized stretching and strengthening program to help keep your feet and legs strong! Take Action Untreated foot problems can and will lead to long-term joint damage and arthritis, so putting it off now will only make things worse later. No two feet are the same, which is why our podiatrists are trained to offer various treatment options. To make an appointment with one of our experienced Podiatrists, call us on (07) 4529 7430 or book an appointment here .
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