Pain in big toe joint - what is it?

[twiglet123]

Have had severe pain in the big toe joint (ball of the foot) for the last 4 months. I’m pain free upon waking in the morning, but throughout the day it gets worse and worse (whilst walking around) so that by the evening I’m in agony. I had an x-ray and that came back fine, so what could it be?

There is a small amount of swelling but the toe joint isn’t inflamed or bruised. I’m at a loss as to what to do next as I love walking and exercising but this pain is really stopping me doing anything!!

Did the doctor rule out arthritis? Have you seen a podiatrist or Osteopath?

Could it be gout? You don't have to look like Henry viii to get it.

Are you male or female? Gout very unusual in women. Agonisingly painful

The x-ray showed ‘early degenerative changes’ but that was all. Wouldn’t think that was enough to account for this level of pain upon walking though? I’m just wondering if I’ve damaged a tendon or something? I’ve had planter faciitis before but managed to resolve that using off the shelf orthotic insoles. I’ve tried them again for this but they make it even worse!

I’m 39 and slim and walk 2-3 miles a day plus do weightlifting. GP gave me naproxen which I haven’t taken yet, said she didn’t think it was gout. Just told me to rest it - I’m not great at that!!

Do you wear flip flop type footwear, op, even slippers or mules that have no back or a flattened back/heel part?
I ask because I had similar pain in a big toe going, it went on for months but I think it was caused by my Berk... can't think of the name flip flops that I wear around the house.

Trouble with sesamoids?

The sesamoids are really tiny bones under the ball of your big toe, and don't show up well on x-rays.

Metatarsalgia

I had this for a long time, and probably still would if I hadn't started wearing more cushioned soled shoes, or cushioned insoles.

Thank you for that link Bamaluz - that does sound very similar to what I have. I think I will try some different orthotic insoles and see if they help.

If the sesamoids are damaged how would I know?? I have full movement from curling my toe to bending it upwards.
Maybe a foot specialist would be able to shed some light? If it doesn’t improve in a few weeks I’ll go back to my GP and ask for a referral I think.