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What Causes Intermittent Pain In The Big Toe?
Question: Dr. Chobufo Ditah
Every once in the while I get pain in one or the other of my big toes. Sometimes I can overcome it if I continue to walk. Sometime the pain is great enough to stop my walking. I broke my R big toe while skiing when I was 23, and figured it was just osteoathritis catching up with me (I'm 86), but why would my L big toe be acting up? (can't remember any accident or injury to the left one). About the only medication I have available is "Blue Emu." When I rub it in, it seems to work (somewhat), but that could just be a placebo effect. Any better remedies for big-toe-athritis?
Every once in the while I get pain in one or the other of my big toes. Sometimes I can overcome it if I continue to walk. Sometime the pain is great enough to stop my walking. I broke my R big toe while skiing when I was 23, and figured it was just osteoathritis catching up with me (I'm 86), but why would my L big toe be acting up? (can't remember any accident or injury to the left one). About the only medication I have available is "Blue Emu." When I rub it in, it seems to work (somewhat), but that could just be a placebo effect. Any better remedies for big-toe-athritis?
Brief Answer:
We should first confirm that it is arthritis!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am so sorry to hear about this intermittent pain that you have reported. The description of this pain makes the possibility of arthritis high. However, we should confirm this before moving on to prescribe specific measures to address it. In this light, I will suggest that you do an x-ray of the left leg. We would review and see what each joint looks like. If there is arthritis, we shall then manage accordingly. Let me know when you get the X-ray done and do well to share the images and finding with me for more insights and guidance.
I wish you well. Keep me posted on this.
We should first confirm that it is arthritis!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am so sorry to hear about this intermittent pain that you have reported. The description of this pain makes the possibility of arthritis high. However, we should confirm this before moving on to prescribe specific measures to address it. In this light, I will suggest that you do an x-ray of the left leg. We would review and see what each joint looks like. If there is arthritis, we shall then manage accordingly. Let me know when you get the X-ray done and do well to share the images and finding with me for more insights and guidance.
I wish you well. Keep me posted on this.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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