
Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of the sesamoid bones, which are two small bones located beneath the big toe joint. These bones play a vital role in the movement and function of the toe. The inflammation is often caused by repetitive stress or trauma, such as that experienced from high-impact sports or frequent activities involving the toes. Another possible cause is osteonecrosis, where the blood supply to the sesamoid bones is compromised, leading to bone death and pain. Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also contribute to inflammation of these bones, as can infections that affect the surrounding tissues. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage symptoms and prevent long-term damage. If you have pain under your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to find out if the problem is sesamoiditis.
Sesamoiditis is a painful injury to one or both of the two tiny bones located in the ball of the foot. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
What is sesamoiditis?
The sesamoid consists of two small, pea-shaped bones located in the ball of the foot beneath the big toe. These bones can be injured and broken or inflamed, leading to foot pain and a variety of other symptoms. Sesamoiditis is common in dancers, joggers, people who have high arches, and people who wear high heels frequently.
Symptoms
Pain beneath the base of the big toe
Pain while walking or wearing certain types of shoes
Swelling
Warmth
Redness in the big toe
Diagnosis
Sesamoiditis can be diagnosed through physical examination. Your chiropodist may also wish to take an X-ray or MRI to determine if the bones are fractured, displaced, or affected by arthritis. If there is a different suspected underlying cause, such as gout or an infection, your chiropodist may also need to take a sample of joint fluid.
Treatment
Treatments for sesamoiditis are usually conservative. You may be asked to wear more comfortable, supportive shoes with a wider toe area, thick sole, and low heel. A chiropodist can also prescribe orthotic inserts that you can put in your shoes. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can be taken to help manage pain. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections into the ball of the foot may be needed for pain management.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Sesamoiditis is a painful inflammation of the sesamoid bones in the ball of the foot. Each of your feet has two tiny, pea-shaped bones called the sesamoids. These bones are responsible for smooth movements, weight-bearing, and elevation of the big toe that allows you to push off the toe when you walk.
When the sesamoid bones are injured, usually from repetitive overuse or from wearing the wrong shoes, a variety of symptoms follow. These typically include foot pain beneath the base of the big toe, pain while walking, swelling, redness, and warmth. It can be difficult to bear weight on the affected foot.
Your chiropodist can diagnose sesamoiditis by examining your feet. An X-ray or MRI can be used to determine if the sesamoid bones are fractured, displaced, or affected by arthritis. A joint fluid sample may need to be taken if gout or infection is suspected.
Conservative treatments, such as resting the foot, switching to more comfortable shoes, and wearing orthotics, are often adequate for symptom relief. Anti-inflammatory medications can be taken to manage pain while the injury heals. For more information about sesamoiditis, please consult with a chiropodist.
When it comes to running, the right pair of shoes can make all the difference in your performance and overall foot health. With a large number of options available, it's essential to consider several factors before making your selection. Prioritize finding a shoe that fits well, offering a snug yet comfortable feel with ample toe room to accommodate potential swelling. Understanding your foot's arch type is essential for selecting appropriate arch support to maintain proper alignment and prevent injuries. Consider the level of cushioning that suits your running style and preferences, whether you prefer a softer or firmer feel. For runners who have overpronation or supination problems, stability features like medial support or a wider base can help correct gait issues and reduce the risk of injury. Opt for shoes with flexibility and breathability to allow for natural foot movement and keep your feet cool and dry during long runs. Since every runner is unique, consulting a chiropodist for personalized advice is suggested to ensure you choose the most suitable footwear to support your running plans.
The right running shoes can sometimes be difficult to find. With so many options on the market, it’s important to know the unique needs of your feet prior to buying running shoes. If you require assistance, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
When looking for running shoes, take into consideration:
The type of running you will be doing
The terrain you plan to run on
Your gait or running pattern
Your arch type
Other unique foot needs
A chiropodist can help by examining your feet and your gait to determine what types of shoes may be best for you. Some runners may require motion control shoes, which prevent your foot from rolling too far inward while you run. Others may need stability shoes, which offer more balance, cushioning, and support. When shopping for shoes, make sure that they are the right size, fit comfortably, and are made of breathable materials.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Finding the right shoes to run in can be a headache. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine exactly the right type of running shoes for you. This is where your chiropodist can help. In addition to taking into consideration the type of running you will be doing, it’s also very important to buy running shoes that cater to the individual needs of your feet.
There are many individual foot differences that can have a bearing on which types of running shoes to buy. Your gait, or walking pattern, may require certain specifications to ensure the safest and efficient running possible. A chiropodist can perform a gait analysis to determine your needs. Generally, people’s gaits can be normal, overpronated, or underpronated. Having an overpronated gait means that the foot rolls too far inwards while you walk or run. This can be mitigated by choosing stability running shoes. Having an underpronated gait means that the foot rolls too far outwards while walking or running. This can be helped by choosing shoes with neutral cushioning.
In general, it’s suggested that you shop for shoes in person in the late afternoon or evening. Shopping in person will allow you to try on and test out the shoes. You would also be able to get assistance from a store associate, who could measure your feet and provide recommendations. Shopping later in the day is suggested because your feet naturally swell throughout the day and are at their largest in the late afternoon and early evening. Your feet also naturally swell while you run. By fitting your feet when they are at their largest, you can ensure that they will fit properly throughout the day.
For more information about how to find the best running shoes for you, please consult with a chiropodist.

Foot care varies with the changing seasons to ensure comfort and prevent issues. In winter, cold weather can cause dry, cracked skin. Moisturize regularly and wear warm, moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry and warm. In spring, as activity levels increase, choose supportive footwear to prevent overuse injuries. For summer, breathable shoes or sandals help prevent fungal infections, but ensure they provide adequate support and protection. It is beneficial to regularly apply sunscreen to exposed feet to prevent sunburn. In autumn, transition back to wearing closed-toe shoes gradually to avoid blisters and discomfort. Inspect shoes for wear and replace them as needed. If you experience persistent foot pain, swelling, changes in skin or nail health, or any foot abnormalities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for treatment.
Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including:
Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly
Washing the feet daily with soap and water
Drying the feet thoroughly
Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet
Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly
Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises
A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Good foot care is proactive, rather than reactive. While a chiropodist can diagnose, treat, and help you manage a variety of foot and ankle conditions, preventing foot problems and keeping the feet healthy is something that you can do at home as well. Having and following an established daily foot care routine can be very beneficial.
Maintaining good foot hygiene helps prevent a variety of foot problems, including infections like athlete’s foot and fungal toenails. It is important to wash your feet every day using lukewarm water and mild soap. Wash the entire foot, from heel to toe. Then dry the foot thoroughly, taking extra care to dry in between the toes. Moisturizing the heels and soles of the feet after washing them can help keep the skin soft, hydrated, and free of cracks.
Stretching and strengthening the feet can maintain or improve their mobility. There are many easy foot exercises that you can do to keep your feet strong and flexible, such as toe scrunches and heel raises. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help keep your weight under control, relieving excess pressure and strain on the feet.
Finally, wearing the right shoes is one of the easiest ways to care for the feet. Many people wear shoes that are too tight or narrow, shoes that don’t support the feet adequately, and shoes that are made of materials that trap moisture on the foot. Opt for comfortable, properly-fitted shoes that support and protect your feet.
For more information about daily foot care practices for good foot health, please consult with a chiropodist.
Heel pain can range in severity from mild and annoying to severe and debilitating. Usually caused by an injury, heel pain can become chronic if it's left untreated. There are many different types of injuries that can bring about heel pain. When describing your pain, it is important to note the location and type of pain, as well as when the pain started and what activities make it better or worse.
Perhaps the most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition in which the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to repetitive overuse or trauma. This condition causes stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel. The pain is usually at its worst when you take your first few steps after a period of rest, like when you first get up in the morning. Plantar fasciitis is also sometimes accompanied by bone spurs, calcium deposits on the heel bone that can cause sharp pain that gradually evolves into a dull ache. Other possible causes of heel pain include Achilles tendonitis, heel fractures, bursitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and Sever’s disease.
Although treatment for heel pain depends on the underlying cause, most treatments involve resting, icing, and elevating the affected foot. Your chiropodist will also typically suggest that you wear more comfortable, supportive shoes or orthotics to help your heel heal. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient to manage heel pain. For more information about heel pain, please consult with a chiropodist.
Heel pain is a common issue that can feel like a sharp, stabbing sensation or a dull ache in the bottom of the heel. This discomfort often worsens with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, and bursitis. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, while Achilles tendinitis affects the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel. Heel spurs are bony growths on the underside of the heel bone, and bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs cushioning the heel. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, patient history, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to identify the specific cause. Treatment varies based on the condition but may include rest, stretching exercises, and orthotic devices. Severe cases might require medication or surgery. If you have persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for an accurate diagnosis and suggested treatment.
Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include:
Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs
Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness
Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time
Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking
Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel
Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf
Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.