Toe Capsulitis: What is it?
Are you feeling foot pain or stiffness at the ball of your foot that affects your daily activities? You might suffer from capsulitis, a common Foot and Ankle condition affecting the ligaments and tendons around the toe joint.
Capsulitis can cause pain and swelling at the ball of your foot, making routine activities like running or playing sports difficult. But what exactly is capsulitis, and how can it get treated?
What Exactly is Capsulitis?
Capsulitis, also known as capsulitis of the second toe, is when the second metatarsophalangeal joint gets irritated and inflamed. The ligaments form a capsule around the joint to help it to function correctly. The inflammation caused by capsulitis leads to considerable discomfort and pain in those affected. Though capsulitis is most common in the second toe joint, it can also affect the other joints in the toe.
It is essential to seek treatment for this condition as soon as symptoms are noticed to avoid further complications or damage to your joints and ligaments. Some cases that do not get properly treated may even cause a severe bunion deformity or the toe to get dislocated.
Why Does Capsulitis Happen?
Capsulitis is caused by various factors, including overuse or injury to the toe joint, poor foot mechanics, wearing ill-fitting shoes, sudden trauma, or having certain medical conditions such as arthritis. Repetitive activities like running or dancing can also cause it.
The ball of the foot absorbs a lot of impacts and puts a lot of pressure on the area. The repetitive stress on the area can cause irritation and swelling on the ball of the foot. Essentially, any abnormal mechanics to the foot can cause capsulitis.
A physician will diagnose the condition, but common symptoms of capsulitis include the following:
Pain in the ball of the foot (similar to stepping on a pebble in your shoe)
Swelling in the affected area, including the base of the toe
Pain walking
Swollen second toe
Toe joint pain
Difficulty wearing shoes
If these symptoms persist, schedule an appointment with your doctor to determine the right course of action to treat your condition.
How Can Capsulitis Be Prevented?
Capsulitis can be prevented by taking certain precautions to protect the toe joint. It is important to wear shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support for your feet. Shoes with a wide toe box and arch support are ideal for preventing capsulitis. Additionally, avoiding activities that put too much stress on the toes, such as running or jumping, is important. If you avoid walking barefoot or wearing high-heeled shoes extensively will help take the stress off the feet. Stretching exercises can also reduce the risk of developing the condition.
Treating Metatarsal Capsulitis
Treating metatarsal capsulitis usually involves a combination of common nonsurgical options like rest, ice, and physical therapy. Resting the affected area is important to allow the ligaments and tendons to heal properly. Applying ice to the area can help reduce inflammation and pain. Oral medications like anti-inflammatories and pain medications can help reduce the irritation of foot capsulitis. Physical therapy can also be beneficial in helping strengthen the muscles around the toe joint, as well as improving flexibility and range of motion.
Another treatment option would be a cortisone injection to reduce the swelling and pain in the affected area.
As stated, ignoring earlier stages of capsulitis can cause further complications. In some advanced stages, your foot doctor may advise surgical intervention to treat metatarsal capsulitis if all nonsurgical measures fail. This request will always be the final solution to the condition. Depending on the severity of the condition will determine what surgery your surgeon will perform.
Some surgical treatments will require the toe ligaments to get repaired. Others may require the surgeon to shorten the length of the toe if the toe is too long. No matter the surgery, be sure to follow the instructions of your physician to recover appropriately. Failure to follow may result in a prolonged recovery or another surgery.
Emerge Stronger, Healthier, and Better
You can combat toe capsulitis effectively with the right treatment plan and early preventative measures. The EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region orthopedic foot and ankle specialists will help you diagnose and treat foot capsulitis. To learn more, request an appointment, self-schedule an appointment, or call us any time at (919) 220-5255 to emerge stronger, healthier, and better.
