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Original poster

What is causing pain in toe?

8 replies

Alllll · 04/04/2025 21:27

My right big toe gets these sudden flares of extreme pain. The pain seems to come from both joints but it’s so severe for the couple of seconds it’s happening that I can’t focus on where it’s coming from, only alleviating it.

Sometimes it feels like I get a few seconds’ warning where it almost feels like a grating or a cramp. At first I just frantically moved my foot as you would if you got muscle cramp, but now I’ve noticed that flexing my toes seems to be the best thing to do. What can it be? It doesn’t seem worth bothering a doctor.

I can walk and run on it normally. It’s not swollen and the pain lasts seconds then completely disappears.

OP posts:
PrawnofthePatriarchy · 04/04/2025 21:31

Gout perhaps? I'd recommend checking with your GP

PrawnofthePatriarchy · 04/04/2025 21:32

My brother has gout and I know it's agonising.

stargazer02 · 04/04/2025 21:34

Oh I get what sounds like that sometimes. It's eyewatering but I just figured it was a cramp, or like I needed to crack my toes like some people do with knuckles. I used to wear shoes a lot due to plantar issues but started going barefoot more often and it's reduced the frequency. I make sure I go up on my toes lots reaching for things etc and just using front of my foot when going up stairs. (I never wear heels so was never really on toes or ball of foot much before)

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Airwaterfire · 04/04/2025 21:34

I would see a Dr because if it’s the start of gout there are things they can recommend to alleviate it. You don’t want it to get worse if it is gout!

Original poster
Alllll · 04/04/2025 21:36

Thanks. I don’t think it’s gout. There is no swelling at all and it lasts literally for a couple of seconds until I flex my toes.

OP posts:
Original poster
Alllll · 04/04/2025 21:41

stargazer02 · 04/04/2025 21:34

Oh I get what sounds like that sometimes. It's eyewatering but I just figured it was a cramp, or like I needed to crack my toes like some people do with knuckles. I used to wear shoes a lot due to plantar issues but started going barefoot more often and it's reduced the frequency. I make sure I go up on my toes lots reaching for things etc and just using front of my foot when going up stairs. (I never wear heels so was never really on toes or ball of foot much before)

Yes, it definitely seems to not like me bending my toes, whatever it is. Although I can bend them totally fine but then suddenly a short, sharp and agonising pain.

OP posts:
Brunocatmon · 04/04/2025 21:46

Could it be arthritis? I have it in both toes and I've had one surgically fixed.

For years I thought I had bunions but it was in fact, early onset arthritis.

I saw a chiropodist through my gp and was eventually dx after that.

IAmNeverThePerson · 04/04/2025 21:48

Arthritis - you are now official ancient. You can only wear Skechers from here on in.

(i have no medical training and am slightly pished)

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