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Waldorf Office

(301)-843-9581

Clinton Office

(301)-868-3899

California Office

(301)-690-6044

Unraveling the Mystery of Capsulitis

You have been experiencing pain on the bottom of your foot. It almost feels as if there is rock in your shoe or that your sock is bunched up. As time goes by you begin to notice swelling around the base of one of your toes. If this is you, it’s time to make an appointment at the Clinton or Waldorf office of Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle. These symptoms point to capsulitis, sometimes known as pre-dislocation syndrome but they are similar to the symptoms of other disorders including Morton’s Neuroma. Our board certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss will do a careful examination of your foot, manipulating it to reproduce your symptoms. Digital x-rays (which can be done in either of our offices) and possibly other imaging studies will be ordered to enable an accurate diagnosis.

Possible Causes

Capsulitis is actually an inflammation of the ligaments which surround a toe joint, forming a “capsule.” The condition most often occurs in the second toe, but can affect the third or fourth toe. The reason the ligaments become inflamed is because of a defect in the mechanics of the foot whereby the ball of the foot under the affected toe joint is subject to excessive pressure from weight-bearing activities. Some factors that make one more prone to this disorder include:

  • Second toe being longer than the big toe

  • A very bad bunion

  • Tight calf muscles

  • An unstable arch

Wearing high heels or ill-fitting shoes and activities that require repeated toe bending, such as ladder climbing and getting up and down off the floor, can all be contributing factors to Capsulitis.

Getting Treatment

Capsulitis is a progressive disorder and won’t disappear on its own. In fact, left untreated, the affected toe will begin to drift toward the next toe and eventually become dislocated and cross over the neighboring toe. Fortunately, the foot doctor has a number of non-invasive treatment options, including stretching exercises, taping the toe and the use of custom orthotics to reposition the foot. Early treatment is key, however, so if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in the bottom of your foot, contact us today by calling: (301) 868-3899 or (301) 843-9581.

Our Locations

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule (Closed for Lunch from 11:30 am - 12:15 pm)

Clinton Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Waldorf Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

California Office

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed