Capsulitis mostly affects the second toe and is a common foot deformity, like hammer toes and bunions. Capsulitis is commonly caused by inflammation and damage to the ligaments that support the bones at the toe’s base. If left unchecked, capsulitis Cordova can cause significant pain and deformity in your toe, leading to the crossover with the big toe. There are various treatments to reduce the inflammation and pain that result from the dislocated toe. Below are the top ways to care for capsulitis of the toes.
Rest
When dealing with spikes of pain, one of the best and simplest strategies is resting. If you are experiencing pain, try not to rush pushing through it. Give yourself a break from high-intensity sports and contact activities that can further cause discomfort to your toe. A few days or weeks off will give your ligaments the much-needed time to heal.
Splinting/taping
When your joint capsule has weakened, it is prone to dislocating or drifting out of its position. Splinting or buddy taping can help. Splinting or buddy-taping the toe to lie flat in the correct position can reduce discomfort and partially protect the capsule from more damage. With the help of a medical professional, you will know how to tape your toe and prevent further damage correctly.
Physical therapy
Specialized stretching routines can help reduce stress and tension in your joint capsule. The routines can also strengthen the supporting and surrounding tendons and muscles to help resist more injury. You can also include calf stretches in your physical therapy. This is because tight calf muscles can partially be responsible for contributing to capsulitis of the toes.
Ice
Ice therapy is great at dealing with inflammation and pain caused by capsulitis. Place an ice pack on the area for an average of 20 minutes. Remember to break for at least 40 minutes between each ice placement. Don’t place the ice directly on your skin, but wrap it in a thin towel instead.
Change your footwear
If you have capsulitis, selecting the correct pair of footwear is essential. Avoid ballet flats and high heels, as these shoes put excess pressure on the balls of the feet. You should ensure your shoes have adequate cushioning and support for the front of your feet. The shoes should also have plenty of room for your toes. Half an inch of space between the front side of the shoe and the longest toe is recommended. Pick shoes with rigid, thick soles that don’t have a lot of flex in the toe region.
Custom orthotics
Sometimes, switching to a new pair of footwear may not be enough. This is if you have an insufficient or unusual foot structure that puts pressure on the ball of the foot. Seek medical attention to know if custom orthotics would benefit you and which ones you should get.
Although a little care can go a long way in keeping your toes and feet in better shape, seeking professional assistance is advised. This is more so when you spot or are dealing with concerns like toe capsulitis. Contact Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists today for more on toe capsulitis prevention, management, and treatment options.
