What Causes Intermittent Shooting Pain In Second And Third Toe?

Posted on Tue, 1 Dec 2015

Question: I have a shooting intense pain in my second and third toe that comes and goes spuratically for about a week now. It last about 30 seconds to a minute and there is no visible redness or swelling. No discoloration in the nail either. Ive tracked my diet and there seems to be no correlation to diet and pain. It is worse at jight however does not improve or worsen with touch. What could this be?

Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Check uric acid level in blood and urine

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to HCM.
I have gone through your query.

Is there any history of injury to the affected part.

Symptoms are suggestive of acute gout, but usually great toe is the first to be effected.
As a result of high uric acid levels, crystal formed and get deposited in joint space resulting in the symptom.

I would have asked for the measurements of uric acid levels in blood and urine.
X ray of the affected part, even though not very helpful in early cases, but it is useful in ruling out there arthritis.

Apply ice to the affected part, take short-term medicines like Ibuprofen at the first sign of a attack, limit alcohol, meat, and seafood and avoid smoking.

I would suggest you to see a orthopedician for examination and further help.

Hope this helps.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Harish Naik (5 hours later)

Woukd this be related to food intake? Hormonal changes? Or a sign of a diabetic? No prior history of diabetes. Is this common in 25 year okd men?

Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
RBS to rule out diabetes, gout age incidence is usually 30 - 50 yr

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Good to hear from you.
Diabetes does not present like this initially, you can test your blood sugar(random blood sugar investigation) to rule out and to clear your doubt.

Peak incidence of occurrence of gout is 30 to 50 year, but can occur early.
Hope this helps.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Harish Naik (12 hours later)

Is gout degenerative over a long period of time in a way that would impose major joint complications earlier in life since it seems I may have developed this at a you ger than normal age?

Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
After confirming the diagnosis, with proper treatment you should be fine

Detailed Answer:
Hi

After confirming diagnosis, with the proper treatment, you should be fine.
Hence I would suggest you to do the investigation as suggested and see doctor for examination.

Complications are likely only when its not treated properly.

Hope this helps.
Take care

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad