Products for Sesamoiditis: What Each Type Does
The main aim of support products is usually to reduce concentrated pressure beneath the big toe joint while making everyday walking more comfortable.
Metatarsal Pads & Forefoot Cushioning
For sesamoid discomfort, forefoot padding is mainly used to shift load away from the sensitive area beneath the big toe rather than simply adding a thicker layer of cushioning.
For sesamoiditis, the aim is not simply to place thick padding directly underneath the painful sesamoid. Instead, cushioning may be positioned to offload the sensitive area and spread pressure through the surrounding forefoot. NHS podiatry guidance includes padding as an option for cushioning and unloading the sesamoids.
Our collection includes gel metatarsal pads, cushioned sleeves and adhesive padding that can be used in different types of footwear.
May suit:
- Pain concentrated beneath the big toe joint
- Forefoot discomfort during walking or standing
- Shoes with limited built-in cushioning
- People wanting localised padding rather than a full insole
- Sensitive pressure points around the ball of the foot
If a pad increases pain or feels as though it is pressing directly into the sore area, adjust its position or discontinue use.
Foot Support Insoles
A supportive insole can help when you want to reduce forefoot pressure while also improving cushioning beneath the rest of the foot.
Depending on the design, insoles may combine arch support, heel stability and shock-absorbing materials. NHS musculoskeletal guidance notes that insoles can be useful for reducing pressure around the ball of the foot in people with sesamoiditis.
Our range includes cushioned and more structured orthotic designs.
May suit:
- Sesamoid pain alongside arch discomfort
- Long periods of walking or standing
- Footwear that lacks adequate cushioning
- People wanting support across a larger area of the foot
- Flat or high-arched feet where pressure distribution may also be contributing to symptoms
An insole should fit without making the shoe cramped around the forefoot.
Adhesive Pads & Offloading Cushions
Adhesive felt or foam pads can be positioned around a tender area to provide cushioning without covering the entire sole.
These may be particularly useful when you want to create a protected area around the painful part of the forefoot while keeping the insert relatively thin.
Our Sesamoiditis collection currently includes several felt, foam and podiatry-style cushioning pads.
The exact position matters. Padding should reduce pressure rather than create another raised point directly beneath the painful bone.
Foot Support Footwear
Footwear is particularly important because the sesamoids are loaded every time the big toe bends and the body moves forwards over the foot.
We recommend supportive, cushioned footwear, with a firmer sole that reduces excessive bending through the forefoot. High heels, hard flat shoes and poorly supportive footwear can make symptoms more noticeable.
When choosing shoes, consider:
- Adequate cushioning beneath the forefoot
- A stable rather than highly flexible sole
- Enough width around the toes
- A secure fit
- A relatively low heel
- Sufficient space for any pads or insoles
Supportive trainers or walking shoes may be more comfortable than thin, flexible footwear while symptoms are active.
Cold Therapy
A wrapped cold pack can be useful for temporary pain relief when the area feels sore after activity.
NHS guidance for sesamoiditis recommends applying a wrapped ice pack for short periods as part of conservative self-care.
Cold therapy does not address the source of the loading, so it works best alongside footwear changes and activity modification.
Foot Rollers & Massage Products
Massage products may help with general foot relaxation, but use them carefully if the sesamoid area itself is painful.
A roller can be used around the rest of the sole where comfortable, but avoid repeatedly applying strong pressure directly underneath the tender big-toe joint.
Our collection includes foot rollers alongside other recovery products.
