When it comes to pain at the ball of your foot or near your big toe, two conditions often come to mind: sesamoiditis and bunions. While they may seem similar at first, understanding the difference can make a world of difference—especially when it comes to walking comfortably, staying active, and preventing long-term foot complications.
At East Coast Podiatry in Singapore, we frequently see patients who confuse one for the other. And that’s completely understandable—both conditions involve the area around the big toe joint, but their causes, progression, and management options vary widely.
Let’s break it down.
Sesamoiditis refers to inflammation or irritation of the sesamoid bones—two small pea-shaped bones located beneath the big toe joint. These bones help absorb weight-bearing pressure and act like pulleys to aid movement of the big toe.
Common signs of sesamoiditis include:
It’s more common in athletes, dancers, runners, and individuals who wear high heels or thin-soled shoes. Poor foot biomechanics and flat feet can also contribute.
A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. This condition occurs gradually as the big toe shifts inward, pressing against the second toe and causing the joint to protrude outward.
Key symptoms of bunions include:
Bunions tend to be more structural and progressive. They can run in families, but are also influenced by footwear choices, hypermobility, and existing foot shape (such as flat feet or high arches).
Because both conditions affect the big toe region and can involve pain when walking, it’s not always easy to tell which one you’re dealing with—especially in the early stages.
That’s where a podiatrist in Singapore comes in. At East Coast Podiatry, we conduct a detailed review, gait assessment, and imaging when necessary to confirm the cause. Getting it right early matters: sesamoiditis can improve significantly with offloading and footwear changes, while bunions tend to worsen without early intervention.
Ignoring the pain or self-managing for too long may worsen the condition. For sesamoiditis, continued stress can lead to stress fractures or chronic inflammation. For bunions, ongoing pressure from misalignment can eventually affect the second toe, leading to further issues like hammertoes or corns.
Whether you’re a runner struggling with sesamoid pain or someone whose shoes no longer fit right due to a growing bunion, a personalised care plan from a podiatry practice in Singapore can make a tangible difference.
Our podiatrists work closely with each patient to address not just the symptoms but the biomechanical root cause, whether that’s in the joint, the gait, or the footwear.
If you’re experiencing big toe pain and aren’t sure whether it’s a bunion, sesamoiditis, or something else entirely, we encourage you to have it checked early. At East Coast Podiatry, our goal is to support active lifestyles, prevent worsening conditions, and help you walk pain-free.
Book a consultation at one of our podiatry practices in Singapore today.