Why is this spot on the bottom of my big toe painful?

If you have been dealing with big toe pain and feel discomfort on the bottom of your big toe in particular, there is a chance it could be a condition called sesamoiditis. Embedded in the soft tissues under the main joint of your big toe are two little, pea-sized bones called the sesamoids. They give power and leverage to the muscles that bend your toe down. They also absorb pressure and distribute weight while standing or walking.

If you have pain here, it could be due to inflammation of the tissues around the sesamoids or a fracture of the bones themselves. Repeated stress on the foot from high impact sports such as running and dancing could lead to injury. After a positive diagnosis, we can offer several conservative treatment options such as anti-inflammatory medications, special pads, and shoe orthotics.