Capsulitis and Synovitis in Seniors

Do you still play floor hockey with your old buddies? How about “jogging and pastries” with your neighbour? Doctor recommended Zumba classes to stretch your legs since your retirement? All these sports impact the joints or involve relatively high amplitude movements and could well cause capsulitis or synovitis.

In the cases that interest us, we’re talking about problems with the ankle joints or those located under the sole of the foot, right before the toes. In fact, these two conditions are characterized by inflammation of the joint envelope or by an increase in joint fluid. Capsulitis and synovitis can result from movements that go beyond the range of motion allowed by the joint. They can also be caused by trauma or inflammatory disease. These injuries cause pain, internal pressure and limit your mobility.

Causes and Symptoms 

As mentioned above, hyperextension and sustained efforts involving high impact or heavy loads on the feet are among the main causes of capsulitis. It’s also important to note that prolonged standing in a stationary position may also cause joint discomfort. A malformation of the arch of the foot, poorly adapted shoes, bunions and obesity are also known factors that cause capsulitis.

As for synovitis, playing certain sports while suffering from diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, for example, promotes inflammation. The liquid used to lubricate the joints, called synovium, is then produced in excess by the membrane lining the joint capsules.

See your podiatrist as soon as possible if you notice the following localized foot symptoms:

*Stiff and swollen joints.

*Red, hot skin, even a burning sensation.

*Numbness, pain and difficulty putting weight on the foot.

*Feeling like you’re walking on a bump.

Be vigilant of the aforementioned signs, because if your problem is treated too late, it could lead to complications such as: deformity of the foot or toes, altered posture with collateral damage to the entire body, recurrent joint pain, significant prolongation of recovery and so on.

How to Treat Capsulitis or Synovitis

A bio mechanical evaluation, a puncture, an x-ray and an ultrasound are used to establish a proper diagnosis by detecting the anomalies. Your podiatrist will then prescribe a combination of solutions specific to your situation:

*Anti-inflammatories.

*Plantar orthoses, splints, off-loading boots or orthopaedic shoes.

*Cortisone injections.

*Mobility exercises, stretching routines and strengthening of the structures around the joints.

*Taping.

*Ultrasound therapy.

*Surgery.

In order to avoid halting your activities completely for several years, it’s essential to maintain adequate joint hygiene by following the advice listed above. In addition, limiting the intensity of your chosen sports activities, making sure to follow the rules of the art and opting for sports with minimal impact on the joints, such as cycling or swimming, are solutions that will allow you to remain active for a long time without injuring yourself.

Since it’s important to rule out the possibility that your pain is caused by an infection or septic arthritis, it’s best to consult your podiatrist as soon as you notice a swollen or painful joint.