Capsulitis Pain and High Heels

There’s no better place to be seen wearing those cute high heels than City Creek Center! Well, aside from that decadent soiree you were invited to. Nevertheless, wearing a shoe or boot with a heel will increase pressure on your forefoot and cause pain. This can lead to capsulitis. This inflammatory condition can occur at any joint in the foot or ankle. However, it is most commonly seen in the metatarsal phalangeal joints.

What Are Metatarsal Phalangeal Joints

The metatarsal phalangeal joints are relatively small, and undergo a lot of stress during the propulsive phase of walking. Capsulitis foot pain develops due to increased distribution of pressure to the forefoot.  Capsulitis pain can be quite debilitating. 

If You Suspect That You Have Capsulitis  Pain After Wearing High Heels

Trade in your high heels for a zero drop (or near zero drop), cushioned shoe! A cushioned shoe will help to absorb the impact on the lesser metatarsal phalangeal joints. Wearing a zero drop shoe will decrease the pressure on your forefoot and prevent capsulitis pain.

“Zero drop” refers to the rear foot to forefoot ratio. Finding true zero drop shoes can be difficult. Anything less than a 4mm drop will be sufficient for alleviating your pain. If you aren’t used to a zero drop shoe, then start with a 4mm drop shoe.

Apply ice to your forefoot to decrease swelling caused by the capsulitis pain.

Tape the metatarsal phalangeal joint in plantar flexion. This can be achieved with tape or a specific splint which can be dispensed in clinic.

Wear orthotics to offload the metatarsal phalangeal joints. A metatarsal pad can be applied to the orthotic to off load the joints and alleviate capsulitis pain.

How To Diagnose Capsulitis Pain

Be sure to schedule an appointment to confirm your diagnosis and accelerate your healing time with advanced modalities including: corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP), and custom orthotics. Platelet-rich plasma injections are offered during your initial consult to induce growth factors in the injured area. This stops the inflammatory cycle and promotes healing.

Visit Regenerative Medicine for more information.

You can expect to return to full activities once symptoms subside!