Smiling clinician seated in a consultation room talking with a patient

Capsulitis Treatment in Romsey

Assessment of an inflamed joint capsule in the forefoot, and how to offload it.

A podiatrist examining the joints of a patient's foot
Background

What Is Capsulitis?

The joint capsule is a supportive structure that surrounds and stabilises the toe joints.

Excessive loading can cause inflammation within the capsule, leading to pain, swelling and reduced function.

Symptoms of Capsulitis

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain beneath the ball of the foot
  • Pain when walking barefoot
  • Swelling around the toe joint
  • Discomfort when pushing off
  • Pain during exercise
  • Tenderness beneath the affected toe
  • Feeling of instability in the forefoot

Causes of Capsulitis

Factors commonly associated with capsulitis include:

  • Forefoot overload
  • Foot biomechanics
  • Tight calf muscles
  • Running and impact sports
  • Footwear choices
  • Changes in toe alignment

Assessment and Diagnosis

Assessment includes:

  • Clinical examination
  • Foot posture assessment
  • Gait analysis
  • Footwear review
  • Assessment of forefoot loading

Treatment for Capsulitis

Podiatry Assessment

A detailed assessment identifies the cause of forefoot overload.

Foot Orthoses

Orthotic therapy can reduce pressure beneath the affected joint.

Footwear Advice

Appropriate footwear helps reduce irritation during daily activities.

Rehabilitation

Exercises can improve foot strength and function.

Injection Therapy Referral

Injection therapy may be appropriate in selected cases.

Gait Analysis

Movement assessment helps identify contributing biomechanical factors.

Pressure maps of both feet on screen, showing where load concentrates under the forefoot
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is capsulitis the same as a plantar plate tear?

No. However, untreated capsulitis can sometimes progress to plantar plate injury.

Can capsulitis settle without treatment?

Early treatment often prevents progression and speeds recovery.

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