Capsulitis
Foot Conditions and Problems
Capsulitis
Inflammation or damage to a joint capsule and surrounding tissue
Cause
Capsulitis is caused by unnatural or unusual foot mechanics that place excessive load weight-bearing on the ball of your foot beneath your affected toe joint. Certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing this problematic condition, including:
- Imbalance between the muscles on top of and below your feet (extensors and flexors)
- Regular use of footwear with an elevated heel and/or toe-spring
- Additional foot deformity, like a bunion
- An unstable foot arch
- Tight calf muscles on your involved side
Signs and Symptoms
Several distinct signs and symptoms commonly develop in people who have capsulitis, including:
- Pain and inflammation, commonly located at the base of the 2nd toe
- Redness of the skin overlying your affected joint
- The sensation that you are walking on a stone
- Nerve sensations like burning, stinging or numbness
Recovery
Capsulitis often responds to conservative, non-surgical treatments. Best treated in its early stages to help improve your affected joint’s stability, reduce your pain and other symptoms, and resolve the root cause of your problem. Common treatment strategies for this health problem include:
- Rest
- Taping or splinting
- Toe Extensor Stretch
- Toe spacers for capsulitis
- Metatarsal Pads
- Footwear that is flat, widest at the ends of the toes, and flexible
