Are you plagued with pain at the base of your second toe, particularly when walking or pushing off? If discomfort in this area of your foot does not fade away by the next day and is persistent you may have capsulitis.
What Is Capsulitis?
Capsulitis occurs when the ligaments around the toe joint (called the “capsule”) become inflamed. These ligaments help hold your toe in place and connect it to the long bone in your forefoot.
When this area is irritated, the joint can become painful, swollen, and unstable.
If left untreated, the ligaments can gradually weaken. Over time, this may allow the toe to shift out of position or even dislocate. That’s why capsulitis is often referred to as “predislocation syndrome.”
The good news? When caught early, capsulitis is very treatable—and addressing it promptly can help you avoid more serious problems down the road and the need for surgery.
Causes and Risk Factors for Capsulitis
Several factors can increase your risk for capsulitis including:
- Morton's toe (a longer 2nd toe)
- Faulty foot mechanics (flat feet, high arches, or overpronation)
- Repetitive high-impact activities such as running, tennis, pickleball, or basketball
- Spending too much time on your feet
- Age-related hypermobility of the foot joints
- Improper footwear, such as high heels
Symptoms of Capsulitis
Symptoms begin gradually and then worsen over time if left untreated. If you're experiencing these symptoms, get off your feet immediately and make an appointment with a podiatrist. These are the hallmarks of capsulitis:
Early Stage Capsulitis
- Pain in the ball of the foot with activity near the 2nd toe--often described as feeling a marble or pebble in the shoe
- Mild swelling of at the base of the 2nd toe
- Discomfort when walking barefoot
Middle Stage Capsulitis
- Pain is more intense even at rest
- The second toe often drifts toward the big toe with a separation between the second and third toe
- Finding comfortable footwear may be difficult
Advanced Stage Capsulitis
At this stage, there is typically advanced joint damage. Symptoms can include:
- Hammertoe development -- second toe elevated in a claw-like manner
- The second toe may cross over the big toe
- Development of calluses where toes rub together
- At risk for joint dislocation and plantar plate rupture
Diagnosis of Capsulitis
An accurate diagnosis is important because the symptoms of capsulitis can mimic another ball of foot condition, Morton’s neuroma, which has a different treatment protocol. Diagnosis can include:
- Observation of foot structure and misalignment of toes
- Manipulation of the foot to reproduce the symptoms and testing the stability of the joint
- X-rays
- Other imaging if needed.
Capsulitis Treatment in North Seattle
Treatment of capsulitis can include:
- taping the affected joint and using a splint that can be worn in a regular shoe.
- a cortisone shot to reduce the inflammation and pain.
- a walking boot if pain is intense
- custom orthotics to balance foot mechanics
Prevention of Capsulitis
To prevent capsulitis and slow its progression, follow these recommendations:
- Avoid high heels as these can put more pressure on the ball of the foot
- Wear supportive shoes - those with flat feet and overpronation are more at risk for this condition, so wearing supportive shoes is critical to preventing and slowing down progression of the condition.
- Wear shoes with a wider toebox
- Avoid walking barefoot
- Reduce activities that place too much pressure on the toes
If you've developed pain in the ball of your foot that's sudden and intense, come into the office so we can get this problem resolved early and avoid the need for surgery.
Need Treatment for Capsulitis Pain in Seattle, Washington? Request an Appointment Now
Don't let capsulitis or other ball of foot pain cause you to stand on the sidelines. Complete the contact form on this page or call our office at 206-368-7000 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Berg.
Most new patients are seen within 1-2 week's time. During your initial visit, Dr. Berg will spend up to 30 minutes getting to know you, your podiatry complaints, and your goals so that he can recommend the treatment best meets your needs. Don’t wait—contact us today.
North Seattle Foot & Ankle Specialist Dr. Rion Berg offers compassionate podiatry care for all foot and ankle problems to those living in Seattle Washington and the surrounding areas. Call us today at 206-368-7000 for an immediate appointment or request an appointment online.
