7 Top Capsulitis Foot Exercises For Second Toe Pain

Capsulitis of the foot, especially second toe capsulitis, can be very painful and impact quality of life due to pain and inflammation. This post will cover the causes, symptoms, and most importantly treatment of capsulitis. These are the 7 most effective capsulitis foot exercises to improve foot pain for good.

What Is Second Toe Capsulitis?

Capsulitis of the second toe is defined as the inflammation of the joint capsule. The joint capsule consists of the ligaments that surround the base of the second toe. This inflammation of the ligaments occurs at the metatarsophalangeal joint capsule or MTP joint.

Capsulitis can also occur at the third or fourth toes, however it is most common at the second toe.

Causes Of Second Toe Capsulitis

The primary cause of second toe capsulitis is abnormal gait mechanics, which can cause the ball of your foot to take excessive amounts of pressure each time you take a step. This overstresses the second toe joint.

There are specific medical conditions that increase the likelihood of developing second toe capsulitis. These include:

• Severe bunion
• Tight calf muscles
  • The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are the two calf muscles which can become very tight
• Foot problems
  • Having a weak or unstable arch of the foot
• Crossover toe
  • A crossover toe is a progressive condition in which the second toe drifts towards the big toe and eventually crosses over and rests on the top of the big toe
• Second toe is longer than the big toe
• Ill-fitting shoes

Symptoms

• Pain on the ball of the foot
• Toe pain specifically at the base of the second toe
• Swelling in the affected joint
• Foot pain during daily activities

Diagnosis

Second toe capsulitis is a progressive condition, which is why it is so important to diagnosis in the early phases. An X ray can be used to rule out other conditions, however an MRI or ultrasound are the best tests to diagnose second toe capsulitis as they will be able to see any inflammation to the joint capsules.

Treatment

The treatment plan for second toe capsulitis includes:

• Rest and modifying normal activities
• Supportive shoes
• Metatarsal pads
  • Metatarsal pads can offload weight and stress the joint.
• Ice pack
• Capsulitis second toe massage
• Taping for capsulitis of the second toe
  • You can tape the second toe in ribbon method. This prevents the second toe from overly extending and decreases the amount of weight it absorbs.
• Physical therapy

Best Shoes For Capsulitis of the Second Toe

The best shoes to wear if you have second toe capsulitis are shoes will include the following characteristics:

• Wide Toe Box
  • Shoes with a wider toe box will decrease pressure on the ball of the foot and second toe
• Low Heel
  • High heels place excessive pressure on the second toe. Low heels or no heels distribute your weight more evenly throughout your foot.
• Metatarsal Pads
  • Metatarsal pads can be placed beneath the metatarsal bones on the metatarsal heads. These can redistribute the pressure and pain from the affected area.

How Long Does Second Toe Capsulitis Take to Heal

Second toe capsulitis typically takes 6 weeks to 3 months to heal when treated properly. Second toe capsulitis will not heal on it’s own, which is why it is so important to treat it in the early stages.

Capsulitis of the Second Toe Home Treatment

Capsulitis of the second toe cane be treated at home with physical therapy, activity modification and proper footwear. These are the most effective capsulitis foot exercises to treat second toe capsulitis quickly.

It is important to go to a doctor, as they will be able to diagnose your specific condition and how to treat it in order to return to your good health without pain.

Stretching Exercises For Capsulitis of the Second Toe

These stretching exercises focus on stretching the two calf muscles and the foot muscles. The combination of stretching these muscles, improving range of motion and strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the foot will relieve the painful area and prevent second toe capsulitis from reoccurring. These stretching exercises for capsulitis of the second toe include 1. Calf Stretch (Gastroc Stretch) 2. Calf Stretch (Soleus Stretch) 3. Big Toe Stretching 4. Doming 5. Toe Curl 6. Toe Splay 7. Marble Pick Up.

For best results and safety, a physical therapist should evaluate you and lead you through a treatment plan that is specific to you and your condition.

1. Calf Stretch (Gastroc Stretch)

• Start by facing a wall with one leg bent in front of you and the leg that you want to stretch straight and behind you.
• Now lean forward while pushing your back heel into the ground. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds.

2. Calf Stretch (Soleus Stretch)

• Start by facing a wall with the leg you want to stretch behind you.
• Bend your back knee and continue pushing your heel down into the floor.
• Hold this stretch for 30 seconds.

3. Big Toe Stretch

• Slowly push your big toe up.
• For a more intense stretch you can hold your heel with your other hand.
• Hold this stretch for 20 seconds.
• This should feel like a good stretch but not painful.

4. Doming

• When this exercise is performed correctly it can effectively improve the intrinsic muscles of the foot
• Start by sitting with your foot flat on the floor.
• Now think about pulling your big toe towards your heel.
• Another way to think about this is to try to make a “dome” under your foot.

5. Toe Curl

• This exercise can be performed with a towel.
• Place a towel underneath your foot and attempt to curl your toes and pick up the towel with your toes.

6. Toe Splay

• Use your foot muscles to separate or splay your toes as far as you can and then relax your foot.

7. Marble Pick Up

• This exercise is similar to the towel toe curl and works on the intrinsic muscles of the foot.
• Place marbles on the ground beneath you and try to pick up marbles one by one with your toes.
• You can buy marbles for foot physical therapy on Amazon

Summary of Capsulitis Foot Exercises

The combination of these 7 physical therapy capsulitis foot exercises, activity modification and the proper footwear should improve your second toe capsulitis symptoms.

If you are feeling pain more towards your pinky toe and outside of your foot you can find 7 Top Abductor Digiti Minimi Foot Exercises For Plantar Pain here.