Symptoms of Toe Arthritis

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.