Pain under big toe

[marghay13]

I get pain, in particular first thing in the morning, in the joint under my right big toe. So, as I put weight on it getting out of bed, going downstairs, walking. I do have issues with my feet and either wear orthotics or shoes with a good footbed, but this is new. Pre- arthritis in my knee is much more painful too. SLE or Fibro related? Seeing Rheumie next week. Thoughts /ideas please.

[Hidden]

Could be worth asking to be checked for both gout and sciatica as both can affect the big toe.

[marghay13 in reply to Hidden]

I know about gout and don’t think it’s that. Would I have other symptoms for sciatica too? I’ll mention it. Thanks

[Hidden in reply to marghay13]

I don’t know really - just offering up a few suggestions as I have similar pain which also affects my small toe. I don’t have gout but I do have slipped disc affecting this same side.

[happyp]

I had this issue for ages. I assumed it was sle causing inflammation in thr big toe. It was especially bad when I wore very thick soled shoes, like hiking boots. In the end, I tried some "barefoot" shoes which are completely flat, very wide toe box, zero drop from toe to heel, very flexible, and thin soled. And wow the difference. I have never been able to walk for long without foot pain before, even as a child. And I can walk and walk and walk in these. No toe pain or foot pain. They are lems boulder boots but there are lots of different shoes that are flat, flexible and thin soled. But I don't know if it will work for you, if you already have foot problems.

[marghay13 in reply to happyp]

Thanks. My podiatrist put me on to FitFlops and I’ve worn nothing else since. I love them and have found them really helpful up to now. Also have orthotics but this may prove s new challenge

[happyp in reply to marghay13]

Hmmm, I don't know about fitflops. But are they like normal flip flops? Do they flop at the heel when you walk? because that would mean you have to grip the shoes with your toes to keep them on. Over time I could see this leading to issues with your toes like you are describing. There are some lovely barefoot type sandals. From xero and others. Might be worth trying them out. See if you notice a difference. I hope you figure something out. I know how horrid it is to struggle with foot pain.

[marghay13 in reply to happyp]

No no. Not flip flops. They were designed to give your feet a rocking motion I believe and have full support built in. I wear the lace up trainers.

[marghay13]

Hi all. Thanks for all the replies. I’ve been told by Rheumy that I’ve got arthritis in my toe & am being referred back to podiatrist for possible new orthotics to see if that would help. If not a steroid injection in the toe will be the next step.

I’m having a steroid injection in the knee tomorrow to help with pain too. Fun, fun, fun !