Arthritic toes are described as an inflammation of the
cartilage and lining of your toe joints. Wear and tear on
the joints causes the cartilage and joint capsules to
thin to the point when the bone ends start to rub together.
One or more toes may be affected and it usually starts with
the big toe joint first. Pain is very localized sometimes
showing redness and inflammation. Most toe pain is from some
form of arthritis and most often it's osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritic toes usually show up later in life... after
the age of 50 unless brought on by an earlier injury. For
some rheumatoid arthritic toes can be equally painful with
more swelling and can affect people of all ages.
Other ailments like bunions, mallet toes, hammer toes,
and claw toes often develop as a secondary result of
arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. |