Summary about Disease
Capsulitis refers to inflammation of the joint capsule, the fibrous tissue that surrounds a joint. While it can affect various joints, it is most commonly associated with the shoulder (adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder) and the toes (particularly the second toe). This inflammation causes pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the affected joint.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary based on the affected joint but generally include:
Pain: Aching or sharp pain that worsens with movement.
Stiffness: Difficulty moving the joint through its full range of motion.
Limited Range of Motion: Inability to fully raise, rotate, or flex the affected joint.
Swelling: Mild swelling may be present around the joint.
Tenderness: Pain upon touching the affected area.
In the case of frozen shoulder, symptoms typically progress through three stages: freezing (increasing pain), frozen (stiffness with less pain), and thawing (gradual return of motion).
Causes
The causes of capsulitis vary depending on the joint involved:
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): The exact cause is often unknown (idiopathic). Risk factors include:
Diabetes
Thyroid disorders
Heart disease
Stroke
Prolonged immobilization after surgery or injury
Toe Capsulitis: Often caused by:
Improper footwear (tight or high-heeled shoes)
Foot deformities (bunions, hammertoes)
Overuse or repetitive stress
Injury to the toe
Medicine Used
Medications used to manage capsulitis symptoms include:
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids: Oral corticosteroids or corticosteroid injections into the joint can reduce inflammation and pain.
Hyaluronic acid injections: In some cases, these injections may be used to lubricate the joint and reduce pain.
Muscle relaxants: May be prescribed for muscle spasms associated with frozen shoulder.
Is Communicable
Capsulitis is not communicable. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions for managing capsulitis include:
Avoid Overuse: Rest the affected joint and avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
Proper Footwear: Wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good arch support if the foot is affected.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put additional stress on joints.
Manage Underlying Conditions: Control conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders.
Physical Therapy: Follow a physical therapy program to improve range of motion and strength.
Use Assistive Devices: Consider using assistive devices like canes or braces to support the joint.
How long does an outbreak last?
Frozen Shoulder: Frozen shoulder can last from 6 months to 2 years or longer. The condition typically progresses through the freezing, frozen, and thawing stages.
Toe Capsulitis: The duration of toe capsulitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. With proper management, symptoms may improve within a few weeks to several months. Chronic cases may persist longer.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Physical Examination: A doctor will assess the range of motion, pain levels, and tenderness in the affected joint.
Medical History: Review of symptoms, past injuries, and medical conditions.
Imaging Tests:
X-rays: To rule out other conditions such as fractures or arthritis.
MRI: May be used to visualize soft tissues and confirm capsular inflammation or other abnormalities (e.g., rotator cuff tears in the shoulder).
In some instances, diagnostic injections may be used to help confirm the source of pain.
Timeline of Symptoms
Frozen Shoulder:
Freezing Stage: Gradual onset of pain, worsening over weeks to months, with increasing stiffness.
Frozen Stage: Pain may decrease, but stiffness remains significant, limiting range of motion. Lasts several months.
Thawing Stage: Gradual return of motion, which can take several months to years.
Toe Capsulitis:
Early Stages: Mild pain and stiffness in the affected toe, especially with weight-bearing activities.
Progressive Stages: Increasing pain, swelling, and potential subluxation (partial dislocation) of the toe joint.
Important Considerations
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent the condition from worsening.
Physical therapy plays a significant role in improving range of motion and function.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary if conservative treatments are not effective.
Adherence to prescribed medications and physical therapy exercises is important for optimal outcomes.
Proper footwear and foot care are essential for managing toe capsulitis.
Underlying medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders) should be managed to reduce the risk of developing capsulitis.