The main cause of toe arthritis is inflamed toe
joint. The problem most often assaults the big toe, but it may also affect the
others. Past traumas or injuries, such as a sprained or broken toe, can lead to
arthritis - rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout could also be a
cause. Some of the risk factors include being overweight, age, and a history in
the family. Also, women who wear high-heeled, tight shoes for too long may be
at a risk of getting toe arthritis.
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Symptoms
Pain
The most noticeable sign of arthritis is pain.
You may experience pain in all your toes or just the big toe. Patients normally
describe it as fluctuating from an achy, deep feeling to a stabbing, sharp
sensation when they try and move the toe. The sensation could be minor,
moderate, or extreme depending on the deterioration level or the intensity of inflammation.
Pain is a very debilitating and common symptoms
of arthritis.
Stiffness
Over a period of time, arthritis starts to wear
away a cartilage in-between joints and injures synovial fluid. Such changes can
create stiffness in joints and make it difficult for you to move. With less
support and cushioning, it becomes difficult for the joints to bend and stretch.
This may lead to difficulty in walking, as our toes have a huge role to play in
balancing and pushing the foot away from the ground. It may also hurt when walking.
Swelling
All kinds of arthritis lead to inflammation
within the joints, resulting in visible swelling. The toes will start to feel warm
and red. You will feel this especially if you have been sitting there for some
time, or after getting out of bed. Swelling may also make it hard for you to
wear your shoes. The footwear may feel constricted until you walk around for
some time and the swelling reduces.
Popping
and clicking sounds
You may begin to hear similar sounds as you hear
when you crack your knuckles. Grinding noises are one of the most common
symptom of toe arthritis. These sounds are a consequence of cartilage deterioration
that normally cushions two bones within a joint. With the wearing away of the cartilage,
bones start to rub against each other, causing sounds. Bone spurs may also
cause cracks and clicks.
Change
in look
Is your toe beginning to move away from the
foot? Such occurrences can be a sign of toe arthritis. With the wearing away of
the cartilage and the bone grinding against one another, the body tries to make
things better by creating more bone.
While this may steady the joint, it may also
make it seem larger, or like it has a big bump on it.
Those suffering from arthritis in the toe are
especially vulnerable to immobility. It is good to check with a podiatrist
right away if you are going through any of the signs of toe arthritis. There are
orthotics, treatments, and physical therapy that can all help you stay active
and feel better.
