A pain in my toe

Let preface this by saying neither am I nor are you doctors. So, I’m not looking for actual medical advice. But I’m trying not to go to the doctors for several reasons. And I’m not against doctors. So just looking for comments and probably just putting on “paper” my thoughts.

1st it will take weeks to get an appointment.
2nd my primary will only send me to specialist and charge me $50 for doing basically nothing.
3rd A specialist will put me through several test/scans procedure and charge me $50 just to visit him/her and plus the cost of those entire tests.
4th I don’t want to be put on regime of pills. But if it comes to that, well it is what it is.

5th I pretty sure I know what’s wrong and prefer to self-medicate through diet and exercise.

The problem: I’m experiencing very sharp pain in my left large toe. It has happened in the past but usually goes away within a day. This has persisted for several days. Regular walking is uncomfortable but not stopping me from doing what I need to do. So here is the interesting thing. If I do extreme type foot work, such as playing pickle ball or riding my bicycle I have no pain at all. But as soon as I stop it comes back.
I suspect I’m a candidate for diabetes or perhaps am already a type 2 diabetic. However, I have changed my diet and have started more robust exercises or activities.

The other possible cause of my pain may be from an injury I sustained several years ago when I fell and jammed my middle toe to the point that I no longer have any feeling it. I’ve heard injuries can cause my type of pain.

I just turn 74 and age may have a bearing on it.

Well, after putting keyboard to screen, I guess I answered my own question. I should go see a doctor! Duh!

I’ll post this anyways, just to get some comments.

 

Neuropathy but that is usually brief per episode. In other words, when it hits, it hurts but only lasts a few seconds. It can happen many times daily, even per hour.
The above statement isn't always true. Sometimes Neuropathy can last for hours at a time.
It can be a stinging sensation or shocking like an electric current.
Its usually not a dull pain.
Its usually related to legs or feet but any extremity is susceptible.

Arthritis/Bursitis?

As you know, it could be a million different things. Just taking a shot in the dark here.

I didnt look it up and do a lot of reading so I may be way off.

Good luck Norm........

 

My two candidates - arthritis or gout which is another form of arthritis.

 

I've had a couple of gout attacks about 10 years apart; first time I saw a foot doc, second time couple of years ago, I drank as much water as I could stand and elevated and iced it in the evening while reading and watching TV. Also ibuprofen.

Having said that, I doubt gout would go away in a day.

I'm not a doctor, but I did watch a Marcus Welby rerun last night.

 

That may be a good advice. Certainly, can't do any harm.

 

A few years ago I really suffered from attacks of gout pain - mostly in my big toe. I even went for more than a week where I could not walk. The pain was so bad that I could not even stand blankets touching my big toe at night.Fortunately??? it was during the pandemic and I couldn't go anywhere.

I have not had a problem with gout since I figured out that as soon as I recognize the onset of an attack, If I take Ibuprofen and drink as much water as my bladder can handle the attack will not last more than a day.

If it is not gout, I suggest trying Voltarin. It used to be prescription but now it's over the counter. I have arthritis in both thumbs and used as directed this stuff really works. In the winter we go through tubes of it. Like any NSAID drug, if you have heart issues check with your doc.

 

I have both Arthritis and Neurological pain-issues and Voltarin.(Disclofenac Sodim Topical Gel(Rx) works 'WONDER' for me. I've been using it whenever the pain started, because I avoid medication due to any pain-medications causes stomach issues(upset stomach, a loss of appetite and among others).
When I searched for and in my desperate attempt of relieving the pain, I,first went to Neurologist who ordered a number of tests, including 'dementia test' which I mentioned him none of my family has one. Luckily, my BCBS and Medicare covered all of the bills.
Afterwards, I went to Ortho.doctor who ordered only X-ray to confirm my issue with an right diagnosis. Since then, I've been taking two different of pain medications including topical cream, Voltarin to alleviate the pain and there is almost 'pain-free' working around in and out the house, including my hobby, 'flower-garden,' sewing and cooking, even though Arthritis on my fingers thanks to medications and voltarin.
Then, it's a very important and crucial to search for an right doctor for your pain-issues, to not end up unnecessary and expensive tests.