Toe Popping and Other Signs of Arthritis

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Popping and cracking your toes can be simply the harmless release of a gas found in the fluid in your joints, or it can be a sign of a more serious joint disorder. At NY Foot Health, we know arthritis is a disabling disease that affects over 40 million Americans. Recognizing the symptoms in the early stages of the disease can help you take steps to control arthritis and limit its impact on your active life.

When Popping is a Problem

What determines if cracking or popping in your toes is a problem has more to do with other accompanying symptoms. Arthritis is an umbrella term that refers to over 100 different joint problems. There is some commonality of symptoms, however, including:

  • Pain that worsens with activity

  • Stiffness

  • Joint swelling

  • Limited range of motion in a joint

  • Redness around the joint

  • Difficulty bearing weight and walking.

  • Feeling of warmth in the joint.

Any of these symptoms, even if they come and go, should be evaluated by your podiatrist. The foot doctor will get a complete medical history from you as some forms of arthritis are hereditary. The podiatrist will also ask questions about your symptoms and your lifestyle. If you don’t currently have a podiatrist, use our online directory to find a qualified one near you.

Types of Arthritis

As mentioned above, there are many kinds of joint disorders, several of which can impact your feet. Some more frequently diagnosed types include:

Osteoarthritis—this is the most common form of arthritis and the type people are most familiar with. It is usually associated with normal wear and tear on the joints over time. For this reason, your risk for osteoarthritis increases with age. Osteoarthritis is also more likely to settle into a joint where a previous injury occurred.

Rheumatoid Arthritis—although patients with this disease may experience similar joint symptoms as patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid is a chronic inflammatory disease with more serious ramifications for your body. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect your eyes, heart, lungs, and nervous system.

Gout—this condition most frequently occurs in the joint at the base of the big toe. It’s caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joint and can be excruciatingly painful. You can control gout attacks by avoiding certain foods and beverages such as red meat, organ meats, shellfish, brandy, red wine, and beer.

To learn more about joint issues that can affect your feet, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.

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