In podiatry, we can attribute many foot problems to the same few causes: shoes that don’t fit well or don’t support your feet, too much exercise, traumatic injury, and faulty biomechanics. Capsulitis is no exception. It’s a curious-sounding condition that can result from any of these causes.
The suffix “-itis” means “inflammation.” Think of plantar fasciitis – inflammation of the plantar fascia. Or, for a non-foot-related example, think of appendicitis – inflammation of the appendix. Therefore, capsulitis is inflammation of – a capsule?
Yes! “Capsules” in the human body are located within joints – the places where two or more bones meet. Ligaments surround each joint, forming a sort of “capsule.” The capsule of ligaments helps keep the joints working smoothly.
What are the symptoms of capsulitis?
Inflammation of a foot capsule most often affects the base of the second toe – the toe next to your big toe. The symptoms include:
- swelling
- overlapping toes
- stiffness, tenderness, and sharp pains at the joint site
- pain the ball of your foot
- pain when you walk, especially when you walk barefoot
You can experience inflammation of a joint capsule when:
- the joint bends repeatedly and often – through sports overtraining, for example
- an accident or injury forces the joint to bend too far
- there is excessive pressure on the joint due to an injury or a structural deformity such as a bunion or Morton’s toe
- arthritis has compromised the joint
Capsulitis treatments
The symptoms of joint capsule inflammation in your toe can mimic other conditions such as a neuroma. Let our experienced podiatric surgeons, Dr. Craig B. Frey, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, and Dr. Jim Swienconek, evaluate your toe pain, confirm the correct diagnosis, and put you on a path toward healing. Call Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland in Solon, Ohio at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We offer a modern office with the latest technology for podiatric patients in Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties, proudly serving our patients from Solon, Aurora, Bedford, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Macedonia, and Twinsburg.