Keep 'em moving (arthritis)

[Fastpedaller]

A couple of years ago the GP said " I think you've got arthritis" and then retired a couple of weeks later. I don't think my visit influenced his choice though.
He did say "we can get you replacement hips when they get worse, the waiting list is about 2 years". I left in a hurry.
On Sunday, before I went cycling I had a shooting pain in my R big toe. No problem cycling. Later in the day, I realised the joint in the toe nearest to my foot had a lump beside it ie between it and the next toe - If I touched this little lump, the pain was excruciating. My Wife suggested "maybe it's a bone spur or something?" I asked Dr Google about arthritis, and found an interesting article which said "wear and tear is a myth, particularly as most people don't do heavy physical jobs like years ago" This seemed sensible, so I carried on, where it stated the cartilage between the joints maintains itself better if the joint is regularly used. I moved the joint, both physically by hand, and then by using my foot muscles - very painful at first. I continued to move the joint about every hour, and yesterday it was much better and the little lump was gone. I'd say it's at 85% reduced pain if I had to put a figure on it. Remarkable, as I didn't expect a positive result, and certainly in such a short time. Hard -soled cycling shoes similar for the walks I do, suggest the toes don't get much movement - If I was climbing trees and clutching with my feet it would be ok.

 

[Gillstay]

There has been research on knees that points the same way and that keeping moving is the best thing you can do.

I have had arthritis since early twenties and have managed to keep moving rather well to my surprise.

 

[presta]

Painful big toe joint? It's not gout is it?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

^^^ I was thinking that

 

[presta]

My father had gout, but I don't recall any mention of 'little lumps'.

 

[Fastpedaller]

Whatever the issue is, I'd rate it at 95% improvement today. Amazing (after overcoming the pain) that movement generates such a profound improvement.

 

[cyberknight]

Not physical jobs like years ago? That doc needs to come and see us work ! I already have 2 operations for wear and tear plus arthritis and currently have to dose up to manage.

 

[Fastpedaller]

Not physical jobs like years ago? That doc needs to come and see us work ! I already have 2 operations for wear and tear plus arthritis and currently have to dose up to manage.

I think the suggestion was that there is more incidence of arthritis nowadays, even though most people don't do heavy manual tasks - I can see the logic.

 

[Webbo2]

I did physical jobs from the age of 15 to 30 then more sedate but I have cycled, rock climbed and weight trained from the age of 17 to 70 plus falling off rocks and bikes.
To say I have some arthritic changes might be a slight understatement but fortunately I don’t have to get up and go to work like cyberknight who has my greatest sympathy and I hope he can a resolution to his aches and pains.

 

[nogoodnamesleft]

I cannot offer suggestions as to OP's issue but personal experience is I go through phases where big toe joing gets a bit painful but maybe couple of times a day I get 5-110 mins excruciating pain, burning sensation, tighten lips and sharp intake of breath. After 5-10 mins fades. But then I might go for a month or two without issues then recurs a few bad 5 mins a day over a week, fades, etc. The 5 min excruciating times often happen when the big toe joint is subject to movement eg out on a walk of cycle ride.

I'm "low risk" from a gout perspective (build, diet). Never been to Dr about it.

 

[fossyant]

Unless OP has been diagnosed properly, it could be anything.

I do occasionally get bad foot pain, usually on top of my foot where the nerves are, that then radiates into my toe. I've checked gout symptoms but it's not that. Tends to only happen once a year. My cause can be slightly over tight 'walking' shoes - I have a high instep, and if the shoes are even a little tight over the top of my foot, it causes irritation later - usually after I've been walking. Takes a few weeks to ease as I don't actually rest !

 

[cyberknight]

Unless OP has been diagnosed properly, it could be anything.

I do occasionally get bad foot pain, usually on top of my foot where the nerves are, that then radiates into my toe. I've checked gout symptoms but it's not that. Tends to only happen once a year. My cause can be slightly over tight 'walking' shoes - I have a high instep, and if the shoes are even a little tight over the top of my foot, it causes irritation later - usually after I've been walking. Takes a few weeks to ease as I don't actually rest !

my foot hurts but i think that was from when i cracked the bones dropping a ladder on it years ago .

 

[PaulSB]

I think the suggestion was that there is more incidence of arthritis nowadays, even though most people don't do heavy manual tasks - I can see the logic.

I feel it's not that there is a greater incidence of arthritis but that people are more sedentary and the lack of movement amplifies the presence of arthritis.

I don't know if heavy manual work or tasks make an individual more prone to arthritis. I wouldn't argue either way. My view, which has been confirmed by many professionals, is that as we get older keeping active, regularly exercising and stretching muscles, joints etc is very important in combating general age related aches, pains and stiffness.

I experience this daily. If I miss my stretching routine for two or three days I begin to feel stiff. When I start stretching again it's always more difficult after a break.

Professional help has allowed me to overcome neck, shoulder, hip and foot issues all of which were related to ageing. My right knee was heavily impacted in an RTC in June '24. My lower body from the waist down was, without exaggeration, completely purple with bruising. The knee will always be stiff, regular stretching minimises the impact, no exercise results in a stiff and swollen joint.

 

[kingrollo]

For hips and knees there is a pretty solid option in replacement surgery. Not that either of these should be undertaken lightly.

In the early even moderate stages - keeping moving helps - however you are buying time - it isn't a cure.

I've got arthritis in my lower spine and the pain reduces me to tears at times - there's no credible lower spine replacement - and I'm out of options for treatment.