Lots of people have foot pain. For most of them, foot pain is a result of wearing shoes that don’t fit well or provide proper support. For others, the foot pain is a result of being on their feet for long periods of time. In some cases, though, foot pain is caused by a medical condition, like arthritis.
Arthritis can occur anywhere in the body where a joint is located. The hands, knees, and hips are common places for arthritis to strike, but it can also affect the toes and ankles.
There are several different types of arthritis that can affect the feet, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. As a result of these conditions, the cartilage that protects the bones can wear down, and the tissue can become inflamed.
If you have foot pain, take a look at these signs and symptoms to help you determine whether arthritis could be to blame.
Toe Arthritis – What is it?
Toe arthritis is caused by inflammation in the toe joint. The big toe is most commonly affected, but all of the toe joints are susceptible. If you have a condition like gout or rheumatoid arthritis or you have experienced an injury like a broken toe in the past, you are more likely to develop toe arthritis.
If you are overweight, advanced in age, or have a family history of arthritis, you are also more likely to develop toe arthritis. Frequently wearing high heeled shoes can also contribute.
Toe Arthritis Symptoms
One of the most obvious and common toe arthritis symptom is pain. You may have pain in the big toe or all of the toes. This pain may present as a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing feeling when you move. The pain can be anywhere from minor to severe.
Another symptom of arthritis is stiffness in the joint. Arthritis causes the cartilage between the bones to wear away, the tissue to become inflamed, and the synovial fluid to be damaged or drain. As a result, the joints can feel stiff and be difficult to move. It may become difficult or painful to walk.
Swelling in the toes and feet is another sign of arthritis. All kinds of arthritis cause inflammation, and inflammation can cause swelling.
The feet might also look red or feel warm. Swelling might also cause your shoes to feel too tight, particularly first thing in the morning.
Arthritis can also cause your joints to make strange noises, like clicking, popping, and grinding. There is cartilage in your joints that protects the bones on either side. If you have arthritis, the cartilage begins to wear away. The bones may rub against each other, which causes the clicking, popping, and grinding noises that you hear.
Arthritis in the feet can also cause visible changes. Your toe(s) may look larger, or may appear to stick out at a strange angle. The joint may look like it has a large bump on it. This is because the body tries to compensate for a loss of cartilage by creating more bone.
If your feet become very stiff and swollen, you might experience a locked joint. The swelling and stiffness may prevent the joint from being able to move at all. It will be painful to walk, as that requires the toes (especially the big toe) to bend & doing so when the joint is locked or inflamed is very difficult.
However – our footwear can be modified to help & a customized insert can also help these conditions.
If you suffer from foot pain due to arthritis or any cause, visit Foot Solutions UK. We offer a variety of solutions to treat your foot pain. We carry a full range of supportive footwear, including orthopedic footwear and also a variety of arch supports – we can even create a custom arch support for you. Call into a Foot Solutions UK store today.
