Capsulitis refers to inflammation or irritation of the joint capsule surrounding one of the
metatarsophalangeal joints in the forefoot. The condition most commonly affects the joint at the
base of the second toe.
The joint capsule helps stabilise and support the joint during walking. When excessive strain is
placed on this structure, irritation may develop, leading to pain in the ball of the foot.
People with capsulitis may experience:
Symptoms often worsen during prolonged standing or walking
Capsulitis typically develops when excessive pressure is placed on the forefoot.
Contributing factors may include:
At Absolute Footcare, capsulitis is assessed through a detailed gait and biomechanical
assessment.
This allows us to evaluate how pressure is distributed across the forefoot during walking and
identify factors that may be contributing to increased stress on the affected joint
Treatment depends on the underlying cause identified during your assessment.
Possible treatments may include:
If you are experiencing persistent pain in the ball of the foot, the best first step is to arrange a
gait and biomechanical assessment.