Podiatry
Synovitis / Capsulitis
Inflammation of a toe joint's lining or capsule, causing tenderness, swelling, and a stone-like feeling under the ball of the foot.
Lining the inside of our joint capsules is a special tissue called the synovial membrane. Its job is to create a friction-free environment that lets the enclosed joint move smoothly — a bit like the low-friction interior of a wheel bearing, except in this case the “casing” is a living membrane that also supplies the joint with nutrients and oxygen and filters out waste. Without this natural lubrication system, our joints would quickly dry out and degrade from wear and tear.
Because this structure has a rich blood and nerve supply, it's also sensitive and vulnerable to trauma from repetitive high loads, such as running. Inflammation of the synovial membrane (synovitis) or the joint capsule (capsulitis) often overlap, since they're part of the same shared structure.
Risk factors
- High-arched feet
- Work that involves standing for long periods
- Working on hard surfaces
- Sports with repetitive loading on the ball of the foot, such as running and basketball
- Tight-fitting shoes or high heels
- Systemic health issues such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis
Common symptoms
- Tenderness, warmth, and swelling under any of the toe joints
- Pain in the ball of the foot that increases with walking, jumping, or running
- A stone-like sensation under the ball of the foot
- Increased pain when walking barefoot or in thin-soled footwear
- Relief when wearing more cushioned shoes
Assessment & treatment
Treatment
Synovitis and capsulitis can usually be managed effectively with footwear changes and orthotics to redistribute pressure away from the joint. A management plan may include:
Treatment may include:
- A biomechanical assessment to check your flexibility, strength, and gait
- Anti-inflammatories
- Activity or work environment modifications
- Rest
- Shockwave therapy
- Orthotics
- Changes to footwear
- Running technique and loading adjustments
How Simba Health treats Synovitis / Capsulitis
Our podiatry clinicians assess the cause of your symptoms and build a personalised, evidence-based plan to treat Synovitis / Capsulitis. With no GP referral required and initial appointments from $109, you can start care quickly at a clinic near you.
Podiatry near you
Frequently asked questions
No. You can book podiatry directly at Simba Health with no GP referral, so you can start treatment for Synovitis / Capsulitis without delay. Initial appointments start from $109. A referral may still help if you're claiming under a care plan.
Synovitis / Capsulitis is treated under our podiatry service, with initial consultations from $109 and lower follow-up fees. We keep our pricing transparent so you know what to expect before your appointment.
Our podiatry clinicians assess the underlying cause of your symptoms, then build a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan for Synovitis / Capsulitis. Many people start to notice improvement once the right plan is underway.
Not sure this is right for you?
Call us and we'll help you find the right service and clinician for your needs.
(02) 9188 0544