What’s Causing Your Second Toe Pain?

Your feet are a complex network of bones, ligaments, and tendons. They work hard to support our bodies in all of our daily activities. Over time, whether due to regular wear and tear or more high-intensity activities like sports and exercise, our feet can become vulnerable to injuries.

What is Capsulitis?

The bones and supporting ligaments that make up a joint, create a ‘capsule’ of space that keeps your bones aligned. When ligaments become damaged, torn, or inflamed, it can cause a condition called Capsulitis. This condition can happen to any joint in your body, but it is most common in the second or middle toes.

In this blog post, you will learn about the common causes of capsulitis and treatment options.

Symptoms of Capsulitis

In the beginning phases of capsulitis, you may experience pain and swelling in the toes or ball of your foot, or feel like you are constantly stepping on a pebble. Often, it becomes difficult to wear shoes or walk barefoot without pain. These symptoms closely mirror some other foot conditions including Morton’s Neuroma.

What Causes Capsulitis?

Capsulitis may be caused by a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors. Factors that increase your risk for Capsulitis include activities that require frequent bending of the toes or excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, such as climbing ladders, wearing improper footwear, or high heels. All of these factors cause the ligaments to become inflammed, resulting in Capsulitis.

If you have any of the following conditions, you may also be at a higher risk for Capsulitis: bunions, hammertoes, or a second toe that’s longer than the others. Foot and toe abnormalities can cause excess stress on other parts of the foot, which can result in this painful condition.

Treatments for Capsulitis

Capsulitis is a progressive disorder.  That means it gets worse over time.  If left untreated, and you are experiencing foot pain that is interfering with your everyday life, the best thing to do is to consult the team at Triad Foot & Ankle Center.

Fortunately, if caught early, there are conservative options for treating this condition, such as splints or tape to keep the toe in place and reduce pain and swelling. However, if your toe has moved out of alignment, and has already started bending towards your other toe, surgery may be the only option.

As with any medical condition, the best option is always to consult your physician to be evaluated. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, contact the team at Triad Foot & Ankle Center about what treatment method is best for you.

If you want to be evaluated by one of our physicians at Triad Foot & Ankle Center, please call 336-375-6990, or visit our website at triadfoot.com to request an appointment.

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.