Inflammation or damage to a joint capsule and surrounding tissue
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
Causes
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
Recovery & Treatment
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