3 Ways to Treat Sesamoiditis
🏠 Start with Taping & Rest
- Apply sesamoid offloading tape before every walking activity
- Rest from running/jumping for 2–4 weeks minimum
- Wear stiff-soled shoes to limit big toe bend
- Ice the ball of the foot 15 min after activity
- Switch from thin-soled to cushioned footwear immediately
🛒 Products I Recommend
- Leukotape P — best clinical tape for sesamoid offloading
- Foam padding / 1/4″ felt — sesamoid donut pad material
- Hoka Bondi — max cushion to reduce sesamoid impact
- Carbon-plate shoe inserts — limits big toe flex
- Custom orthotics with sesamoid cutout — best long-term solution
👨⚕️ See a Podiatrist
- Pain persisting after 3–4 weeks of taping + rest
- Sesamoid bone stress fracture suspected (sharp pain on press)
- Pain waking you at night or present at rest
- Athlete needing to return to sport safely
- Recurrent sesamoiditis despite conservative care
Balance Foot & Ankle — same-week appointments in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, MI.
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your Appointment
✅ Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric physician & surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle | Updated April 2026
⚡ Quick Answer: How Do You Tape for Sesamoiditis?
Sesamoiditis taping uses a J-shaped pattern of 1.5-inch athletic tape to restrict big toe dorsiflexion and offload the sesamoid bones. Combined with a Morton’s extension insole, it reduces pain by 60–80% within days.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
![BEST 25 Plantar Fasciitis HOME Treatments [Massage, Stretches, Shoes]](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/f93bad60b058dbfcf8d35b4416d4d5fd.jpg)
Dr. Tom’s 3 Picks to Heal Sesamoiditis at Home
Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the tiny bones under your big toe joint — they act as pulleys for the flexor hallucis tendon and take enormous load with every push-off. Taping is only half the protocol. You also need a metatarsal pad to offload the sesamoids, a stiff rocker-sole shoe to stop bending the big-toe joint, and a topical to manage residual inflammation. These three products, combined with our taping technique, resolve the majority of cases without cortisone.
Best Sesamoid Offload
Podiatrist Pros
- Self-adhesive felt pads you apply directly to the insole — positions proximal to the metatarsal heads, which is the whole point of a met pad
- Far cheaper than a custom metatarsal offload — ~$15 for 6 pads vs $300+ for custom orthotics
- Good for confirming a metatarsalgia diagnosis: if a correctly-placed met pad relieves pain, you’ve localized the lesion
Honest Cons
- Placement matters — most patients put them directly under the ball of the foot, which makes pain worse. Position just proximal to the metatarsal heads.
- Felt compresses after 4-6 weeks and loses effectiveness; treat as a consumable
- Not a substitute for an insole with a built-in metatarsal dome (PowerStep Pinnacle with Met) if you need long-term offload
Dr. Tom’s Take: The fastest, cheapest way to test whether metatarsal offload helps your pain. If it works, graduate to a PowerStep Pinnacle with Met or a custom orthotic with a rigid met pad built in.
Best Rocker-Sole Shoe
Podiatrist Pros
- Lighter, more flexible cousin of the Bondi — still well-cushioned but feels less bulky
- Softer heel bevel in the 10 vs. prior generations makes the landing feel smoother
- Meta-Rocker geometry gives the same forward-rolling feel as the Bondi
- Works equally well for easy runs, long walks, and all-day wear
Honest Cons
- Narrower toe box than the Bondi; 2E width strongly recommended if your forefoot is wide
- Less stack = less cushion. Patients with severe metatarsalgia should stick with the Bondi 9
Dr. Tom’s Take: If the Bondi feels too bulky and you still want HOKA cushioning, the Clifton 10 is the answer. It’s the best all-purpose shoe in my rotation for patients who want HOKA’s ride without the mass.
Best Topical Relief
Podiatrist Pros
- Arnica + camphor + menthol blend — the most evidence-backed non-NSAID topical combination for soft-tissue pain
- Non-greasy; absorbs without the waxy residue of Biofreeze
- Actually warms the tissue (camphor) before the cooling menthol hits — better for chronic stiffness than pure menthol formulas
- No parabens, no sulfates, no artificial dyes — safer for repeat daily use
Honest Cons
- Short-acting (2-4 hours); not a substitute for anti-inflammatories in acute flares
- Small 3oz tube runs out fast if you apply bilaterally
Dr. Tom’s Take: We swapped out Biofreeze in our clinic three years ago because Doctor Hoy’s works better and costs less. Use it nightly for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or post-run muscle soreness.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Big Toe Joint, Hammer Toe & Bunionette Problems
Sesamoiditis Taping Technique: Best Sesamoiditis Pain Relief & Home Treatment
🦶Do you have BOTTOM of the big toe joint pain? We go over the BEST 13 Sesamoiditis Treatments & Sesamoiditis Taping Techniques!🦶
🦶Do you have BOTTOM of the big toe joint pain?
This is called SESAMOIDITIS & we will show you the BEST 13 Sesamoiditis Home Treatments & Big Toe Joint Pain Treatments!🦶
- We go over sesamoiditis exercises, sesamoiditis massage, sesamoiditis pain relief, sesamoiditis stretches & the best sesamoiditis home treatment!
- A section of this video does go over sesamoiditis taping technique for sesamoiditis pain relief.
- The sesamoid bones are one of the major causes of bottom of the big toe joint pain. So get bottom of the big toe joint pain relief now!
Sesamoiditis Video Table of Contents:
00:00 Sesamoiditis Home Treatment
0:40 Sesamoid bone anatomy, sesamoiditis signs & sesamoiditis symptoms.
1:47 Sesamoiditis causes
2:35 Sesamoiditis doctor treatment
2:59 Sesamoiditis taping & big toe joint taping
3:42 Big toe joint pain relief
4:04 Big toe joint pain injection
4:31 Big toe joint pain treatment
5:58 Sesamoiditis cast & Sesamoiditis boot
6:30 Best Sesamoiditis Shoes
7:30 Best Sesamoiditis Orthotics & Sesamoiditis Insoles
8:25 Sesamoiditis Rehab & Sesamoiditis Recovery Time
8:55 Sesamoiditis Running & Big toe joint pain from running
9:15 Sesamoiditis Stretching and Sesamoiditis Exercises
9:30 Sesamoiditis Stretches
10:35 Sesamoiditis Massage
12:18 Sesamoiditis Exercises & Sesamoiditis Stretches
.jpg?bwg=1590148689 "Tailor's bunion pain bunionette")
Tailor’s bunion pain bunionette .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "severe bunion hallux valgus")
severe bunion hallux valgus _(1).jpg?bwg=1590148689 "bone spurs big toe pain")
bone spurs big toe pain _(1)_(1).jpg?bwg=1590148689 "bunion hallux valgus hallux rigidus big toe joint arthritis")
bunion hallux valgus hallux rigidus big toe joint arthritis 
Gout foot joint big toe attack .jpg?bwg=1590148689 "Bunion Causes Stages Treatment")
Bunion Causes Stages Treatment 
Toenail Disease Ingrown toenail, hematoma, yellow toenail, onygryphosis .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "Gout in Big Toe, Foot, Ankle or Knee: Gouty Tophus")
Gout in Big Toe, Foot, Ankle or Knee: Gouty Tophus .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "What causes tailor's bunions before and after")
What causes tailor’s bunions before and after .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "bunion pads bunion surgery")
bunion pads bunion surgery .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "lapidus bunionectomy AP")
lapidus bunionectomy AP .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "Can Bunions be Reversed Without Surgery?")
Can Bunions be Reversed Without Surgery? .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "severe bunion hallux valgus")
severe bunion hallux valgus .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "After bunion xray")
After bunion xray .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "Lapidus bunionectomy before and after surgery")
Lapidus bunionectomy before and after surgery .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "Bunion Surgery before and after Xray metatarsal osteotomy")
Bunion Surgery before and after Xray metatarsal osteotomy .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "Bunion surgical Shoe")
Bunion surgical Shoe .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "Bunion before and after transverse plane")
Bunion before and after transverse plane .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "chronic goutaceous tophi in the big toe joint")
chronic goutaceous tophi in the big toe joint .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "gout on top of the foot, toe foot heel ankle knee")
gout on top of the foot, toe foot heel ankle knee 
Do Podiatrists Treat Gout? Best Doctor for Big Toe & Foot Gout! 
Broken Toe on left foot 
Turf Toe Best Treatment Taping 
Turf Toe Taping At Home 
Turf Toe Taping 
Bipartite sesamoid, fractured sesamoid treatment 
fibular sesamoid and tibial sesamoid (medial sesamoid) 
tibial sesamoid, fibular sesamoid .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "Bunion stages sesamoiditis")
Bunion stages sesamoiditis .jpg?bwg=1590148701 "Bunion before and after sesamoid dislocation")
Bunion before and after sesamoid dislocation
Best Sesamoiditis Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic: https://geni.us/PowerStepOrthotics (Amazon)
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic: https://geni.us/HeavyDutyOrthotics (Amazon)
Best Women’s Orthotic: https://geni.us/BestWomensOrthotic (Amazon)
Best Affordable 3/4 Orthotic: https://geni.us/ShortLengthOrthotics (Amazon)
Best sub $25 Soft Orthotic: https://geni.us/BudgetSoftOrthotic (Amazon)
Best sub $25 Budget Orthotic: https://geni.us/BudgetOrthotic (Amazon)
Best Carbon Insole(For Broken or Stiff Toes) https://geni.us/CarbonInsole (Amazon)
Best Sesamoiditis Stretches & Sesamoiditis Exercises:
Best Ankle Stretch Incline Board: https://geni.us/z7bq (Amazon)
Best Budget Stretching Device: https://geni.us/BudgetFasciitisStretch (Amazon)
Good Ankle & Calf Stretching Device: https://geni.us/AnkleStretchingBoard (Amazon)
Best Hamstring & Knee Stretch Device: https://geni.us/BestHamstringStretch (Amazon)
Good Soft Stretch Splint: https://geni.us/SoftStretchSplint (Amazon)
Good Hard Stretch Splint https://geni.us/HardNightSplint (Amazon)
Best Muscle Foam Roller: https://geni.us/BestFoamRoller (Amazon)
For more on sesamoiditis taping technique treatment click here.
Top Products for Sesamoiditis Relief
Dr. Tom recommends these products to his patients dealing with sesamoiditis pain. Sesamoid pads, metatarsal cushions, and turf toe braces can significantly reduce pressure on the ball of the foot while you heal.
Best 5th Toe & Tailor’s Bunion Products:
Best Overall Gel Pad For 5th Toe Pain
Best Low Profile Tailor’s Bunion Gel Pad.
Best Low Profile Option For 4-5th Corn/Interspace Pain.
Best Non-Walking Stretching Option.
Best Tailor’s Bunion(Bunionette) Sock!
Price:
$9.99
Price not available
$5.99
$36.95
Price not available
Overview:
Best Overall Gel Pad: For 5th Toe and Tailor’s Bunion Pain
Good Tailor’s Bunion Gel Pad
Great Option For 4th-5th Toe Webspace Corns.
Great Heavy Duty Toe Separator (Not For Walking)
Price Range: $12+, Good value. Great reviews at 30+ reviews at 4.4/5
Pros:
Helps the 3rd, 4th and 5th toes. Heavy duty. Helps the entire area.
Lower profile, less bulky.
Slim and effective option for rubbing between the 4th and 5th toes.
Excellent reviews, great for stretching while resting.
They can be combined with gel pads as well as shoes and the sock. Another great layer of protection.
Cons:
These are more bulky. Can take up too much room in very slim shoes. These are not a splint! They are for pain relief.
Does not help the 3rd or 4th toe from pinching.
Zero benefit for tailor’s bunions and 5th metatarsal joint pain.
Can’t wear these while walking. Won’t work if you have osteoarthritis. (If your toes don’t bend).
Not perfect and by themselves may not fix your bunionette(tailor’s bunion) pain. They can break down over time.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Best 5th Toe & Tailor’s Bunion Products:
Best Overall Gel Pad For 5th Toe Pain
Price:
$9.99
Overview:
Best Overall Gel Pad: For 5th Toe and Tailor’s Bunion Pain
Pros:
Helps the 3rd, 4th and 5th toes. Heavy duty. Helps the entire area.
Cons:
These are more bulky. Can take up too much room in very slim shoes. These are not a splint! They are for pain relief.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best 5th Toe & Tailor’s Bunion Products:
Best Low Profile Tailor’s Bunion Gel Pad.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Good Tailor’s Bunion Gel Pad
Pros:
Lower profile, less bulky.
Cons:
Does not help the 3rd or 4th toe from pinching.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best 5th Toe & Tailor’s Bunion Products:
Best Low Profile Option For 4-5th Corn/Interspace Pain.
Price:
$5.99
Overview:
Great Option For 4th-5th Toe Webspace Corns.
Pros:
Slim and effective option for rubbing between the 4th and 5th toes.
Cons:
Zero benefit for tailor’s bunions and 5th metatarsal joint pain.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best 5th Toe & Tailor’s Bunion Products:
Best Non-Walking Stretching Option.
Price:
$36.95
Overview:
Great Heavy Duty Toe Separator (Not For Walking)
Pros:
Excellent reviews, great for stretching while resting.
Cons:
Can’t wear these while walking. Won’t work if you have osteoarthritis. (If your toes don’t bend).
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best 5th Toe & Tailor’s Bunion Products:
Best Tailor’s Bunion(Bunionette) Sock!
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Price Range: $12+, Good value. Great reviews at 30+ reviews at 4.4/5
Pros:
They can be combined with gel pads as well as shoes and the sock. Another great layer of protection.
Cons:
Not perfect and by themselves may not fix your bunionette(tailor’s bunion) pain. They can break down over time.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Still in Pain After Trying Conservative Treatment?
Sesamoiditis that doesn’t improve in 4-6 weeks may need imaging and a customized treatment plan — including cortisone injections, custom orthotics, or surgical evaluation.
📅 Book a Same-Day Appointment →
📧 Get Dr. Tom’s Free Lab Test Guide
Discover the 5 lab tests every person over 35 should ask their doctor about — explained in plain English by a board-certified physician.
Sesamoid Pain Under Your Big Toe?
Our podiatrists provide expert sesamoiditis treatment including taping, custom orthotics with dancer pad offloading, and advanced therapies for stubborn cases.
Clinical References
- Cohen BE. “Hallux sesamoid disorders.” Foot and Ankle Clinics. 2009;14(1):91-104.
- Boike A, et al. “Sesamoid disorders of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.” Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. 2011;28(2):269-285.
- Richardson EG. “Hallucal sesamoid pain: causes and surgical treatment.” Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 1999;7(4):270-278.
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3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
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Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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3 Ways to Treat Sesamoiditis
🏠 Start with Taping & Rest
- Apply sesamoid offloading tape before every walking activity
- Rest from running/jumping for 2–4 weeks minimum
- Wear stiff-soled shoes to limit big toe bend
- Ice the ball of the foot 15 min after activity
- Switch from thin-soled to cushioned footwear immediately
🛒 Products I Recommend
- Leukotape P — best clinical tape for sesamoid offloading
- Foam padding / 1/4″ felt — sesamoid donut pad material
- Hoka Bondi — max cushion to reduce sesamoid impact
- Carbon-plate shoe inserts — limits big toe flex
- Custom orthotics with sesamoid cutout — best long-term solution
👨⚕️ See a Podiatrist
- Pain persisting after 3–4 weeks of taping + rest
- Sesamoid bone stress fracture suspected (sharp pain on press)
- Pain waking you at night or present at rest
- Athlete needing to return to sport safely
- Recurrent sesamoiditis despite conservative care
Balance Foot & Ankle — same-week appointments in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, MI.
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your Appointment
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.
Related reading: Plantar Fasciitis Secrets — our complete heel pain guide: what works and what to avoid.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)