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If you’ve been dealing with persistent pain in the ball of your foot, you may have been told it’s Morton’s neuroma. But what if that diagnosis is wrong? Capsulitis, a condition that affects the ligaments near the toe joints, is often mistaken for Morton’s neuroma because of their overlapping symptoms. Unfortunately, a misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment and, in some cases, long-term damage.
This type of mistake isn’t uncommon in the world of podiatric malpractice. If your provider failed to diagnose capsulitis correctly and your condition worsens, it may be time to look closely at your legal options.
What Is Capsulitis?
Capsulitis is inflammation of the ligaments surrounding the joint capsule, usually around the second toe. This condition often arises from repeated stress on the forefoot. It is especially common in people with bunions, a long second toe, or flat feet. Poorly fitting shoes, excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, or certain high-impact activities can also trigger it. Common symptoms include:
- A dull ache or sharp pain under the ball of the foot
- Swelling or redness near the base of the second toe
- A feeling like you’re walking on a pebble
- Difficulty wearing tight shoes
As the condition progresses, the second toe may drift toward the big toe or even cross over it. Early diagnosis and conservative treatment, like taping, orthotics, or anti-inflammatory medications, are crucial to prevent permanent deformity.
What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. The condition is typically caused by irritation or compression of the nerve. High heels or shoes often aggravate it with a narrow toe box.
Morton’s neuroma presents differently but can still be confused with capsulitis. Symptoms may include:
- Sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot
- Numbness or tingling in the toes
- A sensation that you’re lumping your foot
- Discomfort that worsens with walking or pressure
While capsulitis affects ligaments and joints, Morton’s neuroma affects nerves. The distinction is critical because treatments differ significantly. Neuromas may be treated with corticosteroid injections, shoe changes, or surgery – none of which would resolve capsulitis.
What Can Be Mistaken for Morton’s Neuroma?
Capsulitis is just one of several conditions that can be misdiagnosed as Morton’s neuroma. Others include:
- Intermetatarsal Bursitis – Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs between the toes, which can mimic neuroma symptoms
- Mtp Joint Synovitis – Inflammation of the joint lining that causes similar burning or aching sensations
- Stress Fractures – Hairline fractures in the metatarsal bones that produce localized pain
- Freiberg’s Disease – A rare condition involving the collapse of bone tissue in the metatarsal head, leading to forefoot pain
Because these conditions require different treatments, misidentifying them can delay recovery, increase the risk of permanent damage, and make it even more important to speak with an experienced podiatric malpractice attorney.
Why Misdiagnosis Happens
Foot pain can be tricky to diagnose without a thorough physical exam and imaging tests. Some podiatrists may rely too heavily on a quick in-office assessment or assume the most common diagnosis fits every case. In some instances, they may fail to recommend follow-up tests, or worse, proceed with aggressive treatments like injections or surgery without confirming the diagnosis.
Misdiagnosis not only wastes time but can also make your condition worse. Treating a neuroma when you have capsulitis can lead to unnecessary nerve damage or progression of toe deformities.
When to Call a Malpractice Attorney
If you’ve suffered due to a misdiagnosed foot condition, you’re not alone. Many patients endure months or even years of pain before getting the correct diagnosis. When a podiatrist fails to meet the standard of care – either by overlooking key symptoms or providing inappropriate treatment – it may qualify as malpractice.
The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, P.C., has extensive experience handling podiatric malpractice cases in New York. If you suspect your capsulitis was misdiagnosed as Morton’s neuroma, consulting with their team can help you understand your options and whether you have a viable legal claim.
Don’t let a misdiagnosis compromise your health. Speak to someone who knows how to hold medical professionals accountable when they get it wrong. Use our contact form to connect with us today.