Spread Your Toes™ Series: Capsulitis- Ball of Foot Pain Conservative Care vs. Conventional Care

Want to treat your Ball of Foot Pain (Capsulitis) naturally, without surgery or orthotics? Natural Sports Podiatrist Dr. Ray McClanahan discusses natural, conservative and preventive treatments, and compares them to traditionally offered, conventional Podiatric treatments.
Learn more about restoring natural foot function @ www.correcttoes...
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[@chriskenyon6285]

I’ve been experiencing this pain for a couple of months now, and your video is the first I could find that actually throughly explained what capsulitis is. Thank you!

[@emiliaescobar7652]

Great Detailed Video!

[@crikeymos22]

I am a Podiatrist an even I found this explanation outstanding.

[@robnation2475]

Finally found somebody who knows what they're talking about! Thanks!

[@robnation2475]

@Delaine Fern Nope. I don't really care. Did you find hidden pictures of her feet?

[@MH-pw3vy]

Thank you for this excellent video! I'm a holistic health provider who recently experienced a toe injury and although I thought my shoe protected me from immediate injury, within hours I was in pain, and now on day 3 I realize that capsulitis of the second toe--exactly where you indicated has been the result. I had already buddy taped the toe which relieved some pain, and regularly choose correct footwear. I greatly appreciate the additional information, particularly on the stretching and the proper use of the metatarsal pad. Update: I ordered the CorrecToes and metatarsal pads. The CorrecToes provided almost immediate pain relief and within days I was walking without significant pain. Luckily I already had several pairs of shoes that met the right shoe requirements. I'm not 100% healed yet, but am definitely on my way, and have become a walking testimonial. Thank you!

[@merc835]

Best explanation of what I've been experiencing. I'm an ultra runner averaging 40-60 miles per week with some very steep mountain running (Leadville, CO / Mont Blanc, France.) I've just received my new orthotics and have introduced a metatarsal pad coupled with warm-up before my runs and icing after. Basically started the treatment you outline the last few weeks, and guess what...pain is significantly reduced. Additionally, I've added in toe strengthening exercises, focusing on keeping the 1st metatarsal planted and lifting the other four (and then doing the opposite) 3 x 10 reps on each foot. This has totally impacted my gait and I am now able to spring more off my toes, allowing my hip flexors to open firing my glutes and hamstrings...everything is connected! So, thanks!!! Alex

[@correcttoes]

We love hearing this and are so happy that you are finding better foot health. Thanks for sharing!

[@xtinabcs]

Finally a video that clearly shows what is going on with my foot 😭. Feels a lot better to know what is happening after years and what to search for to try to improve it now! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@sn7miller]

Thanks so much. Made me realize that my heel spur cushions, on top of tennis shoe design pointing my toes upward was putting pressure on the ball of my foot. Doing squats like that was a giant mistake and I developed a bad case of capsulitis. After ice, will tape it up, buy new tennis shoes, avoid heal cushions, see the right Dr for an orthotic. I think...that will put me on right track after watching this informative video

[@oliviade5048]

I was diagnosed with neuroma 1 year ago. However, I believe this is what I have I instead. Going back to my podiatrist to explain my self-diagnosis.

[@bethjohnson8353]

Your the last word in foot mechanics and repair! God bless you!

[@steve4321able]

I've had this for 2 years now. After much research and 7 podiatrists they never considered my wearing of work boots for 20 years which is an elevated heel. I dont understand why podiatrists wont admit that work boots can cause this!

[@einarreitz9017]

Wow...I've been dealing with this for 4 months and have spent hours of my life at my Podiatrist and the orthotic specialist and haven't understood why nothing is helping..I'm 50 years old and have to wear steel toe boots at work..I come home and ice every night but by lunch time my feet are already aching and I can feel that the swelling nodule on my 2nd toe about a inch back into the ball start to hurt...You totally nailed my problem!!!!! I can feel the capsulitis in several of my Metartsal joints...I can also see my toes as I'm sitting here barefooted that they are so tight together from wearing steel toe boots that this has to be the problem all along...God I hope I can get this problem behind me now since I know what's causing it.....I can't thank you enough for making this video! Einar

[@correcttoes]

Einar, We are so glad to hear that this video has offered you insight into the condition. We hope this is the first step in healing your feet and experiencing less pain throughout your days. If you have any further questions, please give us a call at 503.243.2699 and we'd be happy to answer them.

[@VicBxxx]

You are the god of feet!!!! Finding you has. Saved my feet xxxxxx

[@KM-if2wp]

Wow, this is the best explanation I’ve seen. Thank you so much. You definitely have a new subscriber. I have ball of foot pain and swelling and suspect it’s this.

[@jaiszinoun5651]

this is the best video I have seen on this injury! thank you

[@tiaaleo]

Several weeks in Hoka One athletic shoes and my right foot is a bloody wreck with this at the second toe! Going to use these strategies. Thank you!

[@lakipling]

Thankyou for clearing my mind of fear and anxiety .....because my job requires 8-10 KM per shift and I now have 2nd and 3rd problematic very painful toes but I have help now on the way with splints cheers!

[@m.fesler8362]

Amazing explanation. Mine is beyond repair. I have 3 pairs of $400 orthotics for my walking shoes which hollows out under the metatarsal so it doesn't press on it. However I did find a brand of shoes that work for me amazingly well. They're Oofos. High supportive arch and built in metatarsal pad.

[@bebeharris]

what a great video! I really appreciate the explanation! I have been suffering from this on my left foot and this video is really very helpful!

[@behzadder1665]

Thank you so much for your great explanation, it was so useful, i'm suffering from this problem about two years

[@tannykch]

Thanks so much Dr for your information.

[@adrianfbird]

That is exactly what I found on the bottom of my foot and also found out by deducting of stretching everything you just said so a great video for me to find going to watch the others right now 👍

[@kathysafris6192]

Great video and information. I have had capulitis for 2 years and had 3 cortisone shots. No one has told me about heat, ice, or stretching but I have been wearing a Budin Toe Splint from the doc. I only wear memory foam flats now and no heels, of course. I used to walk 3-4 miles a day and now I'm down to 1/2 mile due to pain. I sure hope it gets better!!

[@Slayer0010]

Is it better now?

[@crispycruiser4654]

It never heals on its own. Conservative care is a complete waste of time and money

[@nflix3617]

You tried it? Have you found something better?

[@Splendid123456789]

I LOVE YOU! God bless you man! You make it easy to understand!

[@miguelaliaga8591]

This was a very good explanation that even my podiatrist has not been able to articulate

[@SuperUtube53]

Ah! This was a great explanation! I've watched this problem grow through the years due to mild scoliosis and my left leg being a little shorter. I now know how to at least get some relief for my overworked foot. Thanks :)

[@kn9369]

Thank you for your clear explanation.

[@correcttoes]

Anytime!

[@robnation2475]

This is handy foot info. Now I can put my finger on it. Some shoes create the wrong space for your capsule making it harder for you to toe the line.

[@kheyknobvlogs]

Thank you for this video❗❗❗❗❗

[@ilovefish3731]

This is so great even if you dont have issues to explain how footwear can work against you. Do you have a recommendation for which metarsal pads to use?

[@joezic]

NO sorry

[@ifasewafatooyin4251]

Omg! That was a Great Explanation! Thank you! 💛

[@szurikata93]

Hello, I have the exact same pain when I put pressure on my forefoot under the second ball. But there is something I don't understand. I used traditional shoes until 2 years ago and I never had footpain. Since 2 years ago I started to use minimalist shoes with zero heel drop and no toe spring. And now, since 3 weeks this pain appeared and I think it is because of the minimalist shoes. How can this be if you say that those should be the treatment? I don't have bunions, never had, but I have a really small hammertoe deformation in this foot in which this Capsulitis pain appeared. Should I use now a thicker and softer sole more traditional shoe again or despite the pain I should continue to use the thin sole minimalist shoes and do this stretching with maybe a metatarsal pad? Thank you!

[@CarlStenberg-kw7ue]

Thank you for the Very informative video. Can you recommend a shoe for tennis/pickleball that has a generally wider toe box? Thanks

[@correcttoes]

Unfortunately, we do not have a shoe specific to this sport. Please view Anya's reviews to find tailored options for this sport.

[@davidhigginsuk]

Excellent video! I'm certain you have accurately described and explained why I am experiencing pain under the 2nd toe of each foot. I believe I may be partly to blame for this because I had orthotic heel inserts to assist with fallen arches and instead of removing the running insoles which have an elevated heel before fitting the orthotics each time I just placed them on top which may have resulted in this issue. My GP has prescribed Naproxen to act as an anti-inflammatory drug which is helping initially but I will fit metatarsal pads as you suggest and recommend your site as you know what you are talking about. Thanks! 😊 David Higgins

[@spockbr18]

Great explanation... Thanks a lot!!!

[@frankfisher4554]

So, simple questions...do Altra running shoes prevent this condition?

[@AndyObusek]

How do you feel about traditional Birkenstocks as a healthy shoe/sandal option? Thanks for the great video

[@knb243]

what if the pain is caused by a toe injury (9 months ago in 3rd/4th toes) and it hurts to do the extensor stretches?

[@MsInfoseeker]

This video was very helpful, thank you! What type of running shoes do you recommend? Are "rocker" type shoes helpful in capsulitis? If toe has already started migrating slightly, can conservative options (such as Correct Toes, metatarsal pads, changing shoes) help sufficiently to at least prevent worsening of the condition? Is it ok to continue running?

[@raillery]

Hi, I'm living in Armenia now (originally from Utah) and I've got some serious pain at the base of my second toe. I'm torn between self-diagnosing as Morton's Neuroma, stress fracture, or Capsulitis. I'm leaning toward the latter. It has been aching for over a month and is exacerbated by exercise. But, the pain isn't in the ball of the foot, it's tender to the touch on either side of 2nd toe joint on top of foot with swelling around the area between 2nd and 3rd toes. The ball beneath 2nd joint has a bit of pain, but not nearly as much as top. I don't think it's Neuroma because it's on both sides of the toe joint. This morning, after playing ultimate frisbee last night, I can barely walk - limping a lot with a good bit of pain. I can't find a foot specialist here and will try to see one when I come home to the US in July, but for now - any insights for me from afar? Thanks!! -Rai

[@ARKHuynh]

Rai Farrelly Were you ever able to get the diagnosis for your condition? I am leaning towards the latter as well for Capsulitis (Predislocation Syndrome). I am interested to know your findings! Nevertheless, I hope you are on the way towards a speedy recovery!

[@fantasypolice]

Rai Farrelly Was it a stress fracture?

[@crispycruiser4654]

People…GO TO A DOCTOR! Stop self diagnosing and wondering why you don’t get better

[@tntmyth]

Will the Correct Toes device help metatarsalgia? Specifically capsulitis of the 2nd metatarsal like described in this video which seems to be exactly what I have. I developed this pain after I broke and sprained my big toe a catching myself from falling after tripping over a cord while barefoot few years ago. I landed on the big toe and found out later that day that it had broken. It seemed to be fine for several months after the break healed. However I later developed the capsulitis of the 2nd metatarsal while walking miles for exercise. I have tried Altra Torin and Hoka Clifton running shoes. Both help in their own way. The Altras help because they have the foot shape and zero drop which helps take pressure off the ball of the foot. The Hokas help because they have a rocker sole and good cushioning. I now wear the Hoka Cliftons most of the time because I can walk the furthest in them before feeling severe metatarsal pain. But I have not been able to rid myself completely of the metatarsalgia. It especially flares up the times when I rarely have to wear regular dress shoes or flip flops. If I do several miles like at Disney World or something, I am in for a lot of pain no matter the shoe. So I am wondering if Correct Toes would potentially help take some of the pressure off the 2nd metatarsal capsule and heal the foot.

[@stevenglen5971]

can i wear the correct toes while having capsulitis too?

[@tiffanysummers8014]

This was really helpful! Thank you.

[@jnewman1718]

Hi Doc, I'm your new subscriber and have been watching several of your videos in this channel and find this one the most relevant to my condition. I'm not sure what I have but the main symptoms are (1) feeling the skin around the ball of foot and all 5 toes in both feet are thickened; (2) the area (ball of foot, all toes) looks more red than usual; (3) but no pain at all. When sleeping, they feeling normal as they are not touching anything, but while walking around the house (rarely go out since the pandemic and work from home) with rubber flip-flops, the ball of foot + toes area feel strange/odd and a bit "sticky" to the flip flops rubber pad. What could it be? With the above condition and without any pain (for 3-4 months now) whatsoever, can I still apply cold (iced water bottle) to it and do the stretching exercise you suggested in the video. Any advice is much appreciated. 🙏

[@stevenglen5971]

any advice for partial plantar tears on the 2nd toe?

[@bugpack6]

Strange thing is. I developed this while wearing Altra running shoes. Now what do I do?

[@lisam6200]

It would be great if you could recommend some brands of shoes that fit the description and don’t have a narrowing toe box 😊

[@peacefuldaizy5717]

His website does offer a lot of suggestions of shoes that are ideal.

[@correcttoes]

Here are just a few but feel free to browse correcttoes.com to get an idea of what we recommend. Remember widest at the toes, flat/zero drop, and flexible! Altra Topo Vivobarefoot Feel Grounds Bearfoot

[@marym6613]

Do you recommend taping for capsulitis?

[@terriliggett544]

What shoes do you suggest for chronic pttd? My doctors are recommending Hokas, which have the toe spring. I would really like your advice. Thank you.

[@correcttoes]

What is pttd? We would not recommend Hokas because of their toe spring, heel lift, and cushioned aid.

[@terriliggett544]

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. It a big problem that can flat foot

[@eliane3923]

very nice videos!

[@correcttoes]

Thank you, Eliane! We hope you have found them beneficial.

[@eliane3923]

+Correct Toes Of course!

[@jodyroper5105]

Will correct toes help with this or should you wait until the pain is gone before wearing the correct toes??

[@correcttoes]

Hi, Jody. Correct Toes do help with Capsulitis. Please give us a call at the office to discuss what you are feeling and other questions you may have. 503.243.2699

[@BiscoSnack]

Where is the shoe list? I clicked the link but none were listed.

[@correcttoes]

Hi there, here is the link for shoes on our website. correcttoes.com/shop.html

[@عبدالرحمن-س4خ9ك]

رجلى به سقوط اكوعلاج لاين شضيه براسي اثرت على يدي ورجلى اني من العراق بغداد اكدراتواصل معاك دكتور

[@dianam.h.7284]

I had pads placed in my (approved) shoes. But ended up having even more problems. I started to "avoid" the pad and roll the foot outward (which is already a problem for me as I'm an under pronator) and I developed pain in the third toe in addition to the second tow that was already affected. I had the pad placement changed, the thickness changed (all buy the podiatrist). I also have it in both feet, but it was way less on the left. As soon as I walked with a pad on the left it started to hurt even more. Why is it that there pads don't work for me?

[@correcttoes]

Hey Diana! I am sorry to hear the metatarsal pad did not help you. You are not alone, there is a small percentage of people who just cannot stand the pad against their skin or in their shoes. Fortunately, the pads are just another tool in helping you strength and realign your toes/feet, but isn't the only thing that can help. I would follow your podiatrist's recommended treatment plan and consult on alternatives that work best for you.

[@kaydeegregg4576]

Does capsulitis always occur from a sprain/tear of any muscles (interossei) or can it just happen from inflaming that capsule with improper footwear?

[@correcttoes]

Capsulitis (inflammation of capsule) can be caused from a number of things. Inflammation, sprains, and strains can be a result of shoes or a combination of shoes and activity/use. Every instance is different, it is safe to say that it isn't explicitly from muscle tears.

[@mellkiades]

I'm immobilized with a bad capsulitis on the second toe of the right foot. My podiatrist insisted that I should take anti-inflammatory medication for two weeks then start wearing shoes with inflexible soles. You seem to suggest otherwise but you're not providing references to research papers. So you're saying I shouldn't buy Hoka or Asics shoes with a non flexible sole? What about laser designed hard shell insoles? Is this also something you don't recommend? I just paid $500 and ordered some ;(

[@correcttoes]

Our research can be found on our site correcttoes.com or nwfootandankle.com (our clinic). Our style and general recommendation is to avoid hard insoles and cushioned shoes. That being said every person is unique and we acknowledge this, it is best to visit with a doctor. We offer consultations remote if needed.

[@cassiecreech9945]

Thank you for such an informative video. My question is WHY do these companies make shoes like this?? Is it just ignorance or is there a benefit to them somehow??

[@correcttoes]

It really comes down to fashion! Many people perfer fashion to function but we're hoping to teach people about healthy foot alliance, allowing them to make the best descion for themselves.

[@ToxicDave546]

I am feeling a bit anxious. The only way my fott pain under the second toe only goes away when i take ibuprofen, after like 12 + hours my toe starts feeling disconfort. Is it capsulitis? Its been a week i been taking ibuprofen. I want relief without the pain medication.

[@bethjohnson8353]

Could we receive information on orthotics or the correct metatarsal padding?

[@correcttoes]

We like PedAg and Strutz metatarsal pads. Here is a video about orthotics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3OZk3R8i7OpmqM

[@ShaneSpitzer]

Your link to see good athletic shoes is broken... can you fix? I'd like to see what you think are a good selection so I can switch.

[@correcttoes]

Thanks for bringing that to our attention. We've fixed the link and it now leads you over to our list of all of the shoes that we have found to be flat, flexible, and wide--all of the features the foot needs to start transitioning towards natural strength!

[@bobbybrown3612]

Thank you! Excellent video!

[@correcttoes]

+bobby brown We hope you found it to beneficial!

[@kellymyers5824]

I have been treated for 2nd metatarsal phangeal capulitis for months. Ive done the stretchs , icing, 3 different pair of shoes. In a boot for 6 weeks. The toe is turning into a hammer toe with the toe moving inward with an osteophte growing on it. The 2nd and 3rd toe has a V area they are separating the area. Ive tried shoes, inserts. I am at the witts end.

[@andrewreneau6100]

Whatd you end up doing? Im 6months in and tryimg to avoid surgery

[@crispycruiser4654]

@@andrewreneau6100 Have surgery. 6 months is enough time where it's unlikely to heal on its own.

[@aniccadance13]

I heeled my metatarsalgia wearing Altra shoes..I don't know why most trainers are narrow and heeled.

[@correcttoes]

They have definitely become a favorite!

[@skylarjones1766]

I’m 16 years old and my doctor said I️ had exactly this! It’s been a month since the pain started and only two weeks since my doctor gave me a toe splint. The splint hasn’t done anything but make the pain worse. I️ was wondering if you recommend using a boot or use crutches (not putting pressure on it) for a week or two. On days that I️ don’t do much activity, the pain lessens the next day. Please get back!

[@NocoYeti]

Fucking incredible video. You know your shit sir.

[@pseudonamed]

Why do almost all shoes have an elevated heel? I hate it.

[@janetmiller4199]

Every single video talks about how you should stretch and strengthen. Not a single video shows you the stretches or exercises you should do.

[@correcttoes]

Sorry about that, Janet. Here is a link to a few of the strengthening exercises and stretches we recommend, studio.kzbin.infor4_d-Ofm0Ac/edit studio.kzbin.infoV9P8uMzmJIg/edit.