I have osteo throughout my feet. The big toe joint has been degenerating for the past 30 years. I have no bunions just the worn joint itself. It is not gout.

My question pertains to the severe shooting pain I am getting with greater frequency through this joint. The pain is excruiating and cause me to wince outloud. This is not an aching type of pain it is a hot shooting nerve like pain searing through the joint. I use to get it periodically years ago but nothing like it is now. It would be unbearable if it did not relent.

Has anyone on here got any idea what it is. All the toes on my feet are starting to claw under which I didn't think was a sign of osteoarthritis but apparently it must be. I have no arthritis in my hands at all.

It sounds like you have gout

A few years ago I developed this terrible cutting pain in my L. foot, between big toe and next toe, felt like a knife slicing through it. Could barely walk. After 6 months of mis-diagnosis by podiatrists (all quacks, IMO), finally got to see an orthopedist, xrays taken, found that the arthritis in my foot was irritating, impinging on a nerve. 2 shots of cortisone, it gradually went away and hasn't come back. I still get occasional arthritic ache, but no more of that cutting nerve pain. Have you seen an orthopedist? Good luck!!!

No and good comment about the opthopedist. I have to see one for my back anyways so he might as well look at my foot.

I have osteoarthritis in both feet, in particular the toes, my big toe really can act up at times and often wondered if it was gout. My toes will have sharp cramp like a charley horse and I get sharp pains especially in the big toe. Mine is such that I can wave my finger over the toe joint without touching the skin and it can have an aching burn to it. Never have figured out what that is, I have osteo in both hands as well as neck and back.

Hi Pooby,

I cannot speak with authority about what is ailing your feet. However, you sound just like my wife and she has Osteo. It's in her feet and hands. All I can offer you is advice - get to a phone and make an appointment to see a Rheumy or an Orthopedic Surgeon. My wife denied what was happening and now she has irreversible damage to all ten toes. Her toes are so disfigured she can barely walk. My Rheumatologist told me that if she had come to him for treatment he most likely could have prevented the problem. By now she can't wear shoes. Now, he says the only remedy is amputation of the toes and then reattachment. You know, that's really not much of a solution. But, it is what happens when you have a major form of arthritis and deny it, or ignore it, or procrastinate. She's going to have to live with them for a long time.

I just re-read my reply and it sounds sort of harsh. But arthritis is unforgiving and you stand to ruin your life if you don't seek treatment ASAP. Good luck to you I hope you don't have anything that a couple of asprin couldn't cure.

dootag

Yes I have seen a specialist over the years and it is osteo.