Does osteoarthritis affect the smaller toes of the foot?

[JDQuinn75]

Having been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in 2015 . For several years both of my feet have been achy as well. Just this year I’ve noticed more that my smaller toes are very achy. I’m just wondering if osteoarthritis affects the smaller toes of the foot. Or is it just the big toe? Having mentioned in previous post before about my feet being very achy. Or could this be a second form of arthritis I haven’t been diagnosed with yet? RA I see mention a lot in articles about arthritis in the smaller toes. RA does run on both side of my family as well. Both of my grandfathers had it , my dad also has it as well as my uncle too. I’ve not yet been diagnosed with that. Usually when one form of arthritis starts another follows later on. So I’ve heard on several occasions. It’s noticeable more when on my feet a lot. My gp hasn’t recommended to be tested again for different types of arthritis. But I’ve mentioned to him several times with the problem of my feet being very achy at times. So I guess the question is what form of arthritis is in my little toes of my feet that’s making them ache like they do?

[katieoxo60]

Hi there I have had arthritis in my feet for many years it is like you describe, with some swelling especially over the metartarsal joints. I have had constant pain in my toe joint since having what appeared like gout and was treated as such. I beleive the only way to be sure is to have the joint fluid tested which most doctors are reluctant to do as it is painful and specialist treatment. I also have raised uric acid levels which is another pointer to gouty arthritis. Most arthritis is hereditary, so it is quite possible you have RA like your family, and you can have more than one type. Sadly there are no cures just ongoing management of symptoms, which has improved immensely in more recent years. I have had arthritis diagnosed since around 1990 , so it can be lived with but disablement due to it can vary vastly. I am a member of the arthritis action charity and we are trying to set up local chat groups to share experiences face to face around every six weeks.

[JDQuinn75 in reply to katieoxo60]

Katie, I’m not sure what form it is . The only thing I can figure is that it might be the osteoarthritis I was diagnosed with 4 years ago. I tell you what though they definitely hurt by the end of my work day . Being in my feet as long as I am a day during the day definitely talks to me afterwards.

[Badbessie]

Osteoarthritis can be in any joint big or small. Sadly some people do not get positive blood markers when bloods are sent for R.A. Bloods are only part of the diagnostic process. Personally I would ask to be referred to a rheumatologist.

[JDQuinn75 in reply to Badbessie]

Hey Badbessie, I’ve alway though the form of arthritis I have is different from what I was diagnosed with four years ago. Do to the fact mine has progressed quickly through my body. 2013 there were only signs in my hands and feet . But now it’s spread to my spine as well as my shoulders , knees and right hip as well. So something tells me it’s something other than just OA. In my opinion.

[Badbessie in reply to JDQuinn75]

There are over a 100 types and sub types of arthritis. You have probably had the osteoarthritis in most areas since the diagnosis in one area. As my rheumatologist said to me if we had scanned your whole body then we would have found the widespread aspect of your condition. But the NHS only do parts. For example it was first found in my shoulders, then elbows, then hip and knee and finally in my spine. My GP suspected an R.A type arthritis and I have had every test there is but no proof was found. However I have been diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome, widespread chronic pain syndrome/fibromyalgia. You really need to see a rheumatologist to rule in or out other conditions.

[JDQuinn75 in reply to Badbessie]

Badbessie, the arthritis originally started in my hands when I was in my late 30’s , I was around 37 at the time. A couple of years after it started is when my previous general practitioner referred me to a rheumatologist. By that time it had started in my shoulders and knees by then. It’s been confirmed that it’s all down my spine as well. I feel it in my back every day too. As a matter of fact it was horrible in the middle of my spine today. I hate this mess . I don’t always move like I use to. I don’t like it dictating on what I can do now.

[Badbessie in reply to JDQuinn75]

Sadly there are limitations to treatment. I have just completed a pain management programme. I think in many ways I was very much like you and hated the mess I had become. Accepting how the condition was effecting me was very difficult. Wishing for how things were is in many ways unrealistic. Basically I am learning to live with it and the limitations it imposed.

[andyswarbs]

Although they are different illnesses on the outside I don't see the treatment as different. They both indicate your body is operating below the optimum level necessary for health. So my recommendation is diet and exercise. Focus on those and both problems can be assuaged significantly if not entirely.