Capsulitis
A capsule is the tissue that surrounds the joint and helps to hold it in place. When referring to the feet, there are several that attach the toes to the foot.
Capsulitis in these joints present with pain to the ball of the foot especially when standing without shoes on. It tends to be a nagging pain that no matter how many pairs of shoes you buy or if you wear 2 pairs of socks, you can't seem to figure out why it won't go away.
Causes
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Trauma
- Hallux limitus
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Sudden increase in activity
Treatments
- Basic toe taping
- Ice
- Anti-inflammatories
- Padding
- Steroid injection
- Adjustment of shoe and insert
- Custom orthotics
- Laser treatment. Laser therapy typically decreases your pain by 40% in 10 days.
- Surgery is not indicated for capsulitis, however, if severe enough and if conservative treatment options fail, surgery may be indicated to address the structural problem causing the capsule to be inflamed.