Anyone got arthritis? Need help

[ByNoisyMintTurtle]

I’m 37 and for a year and a half or so have been having this sporadic, incredibly painful pain in the joint of my big toe. It never, ever happens when I’m standing, walking or running. Only ever sitting or walking. It is like the joint gets this awful pain then there’s a click or pop and the pain completely disappears.

I’ve finally been to the podiatrist today and they have said they think it’s arthritis. I’ve been referred for an X-ray and MRI so that they can get to the bottom of it, but all the Googling (I know I shouldn’t) says that arthritis pain would begin whilst moving then start whilst stationary as it progresses.

Does anyone else have arthritis like this? No pain ever except for a sudden, excruciating pain which is instantly relieved by a pop. I know the medical professionals know best but I’m just curious as this whether anyone else’s is like this?

My bunion is like that and has been since my 20s.

Same with my knees tbh.

Dh has similar, really sad as when we’re in the sun it’s not painful. He’s on injections for it which help and he’s fine about but they have to watch his bloods

Is it painful constantly or just now and then for a few seconds?

Yeah they checked for a bunion but there’s nothing at all.

Just bumping this. Feel a bit in shock that I might have arthritis at 37 so would be grateful to hear from anyone else who’s been in a similar position.

I have arthritis in my big toes (hallux rigidus). It started at your age. It doesn’t feel like that, though - it’s generally painful while walking in inappropriate shoes or imagining I can still flex them. I don’t think I’ve ever had a sudden pop or similar. I’m only one person and not a medic, though.

Also, if it does turn out to be arthritis in those joints, it’s actually not very uncommon. It just feels like it should be!

ByNoisyMintTurtle

In the winter it’s a lot, the summer not so much. I don’t think all the time but he says in cold weather he’s always aware of his joints, they don’t feel right, and with exercise, which he’s been told he needs to keep up, it’s actively sore. He said on holiday it’s amazing the difference. I do hope you get sorted op x

Thank you. I can flex mine completely fine. I am very confused about it all.

It sounds like my trigger finger only in the toe which apparently is also a thing it causes the toe joint to catch, lock, or pop when bent or straightened, similar to trigger finger in the hand, often affecting the big toe but sometimes other toes too, due to tendon sheath inflammation or tightness.

I had something similar. The joint would get stuck and be incredibly painful and then click and be fine. It used to happen when using the clutch quite often! A couple of years later though this has changed and is Hallux rigidus and any flexing movement is painful. Finding the right footwear is tricky especially as I have a bunion on the other foot which seems to like an entirely different sort of shoe!

That sounds really unpleasant, especially when the pain is so severe but then disappears as quickly as it arrives.
The sudden pain followed by a click or pop and then immediate relief does make me wonder whether something mechanical could be going on as well, which is probably why your podiatrist has arranged both an X-ray and MRI rather than assuming it's definitely arthritis.
I know it's easier said than done, but I'd try not to rely too much on Google. I recently came across some information from Leafease while reading about different types of chronic pain, and one thing that stood out was how differently people can experience joint symptoms.
Hopefully the scans will give you some clearer answers.

I have a type of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Mine is nothing like that
In flare it just hurts all the time. No real relief at all. Burning deep pain at rest. Feels like walking on pebbles when walking.
Ive also had ligament damage due to my condition- to me it sounds more like that. Pain when using the joint rather than all the time. Arthritis to me is sore constantly.
My money is on a ligament, tendon or other connective tissue

Hope you can get some relief soon, its horrible when youre feet are sore xo

Have you been tested for gout?