Intense, sharp pain in some toe and finger joints. Please help.

[landen99]

I found a thread that was very similar to my own pains and was relieved to know that many people suffer a similar condition: http://www.foot-health-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28310 A few solutions arose from that thread: B12 x 1000mg daily, Chiropractor, and exercise/circulation to clear any clots.

Several days ago, I experienced a very sharp pain in my second toe from the big one on my left foot in or around the joints near the extension of the toe from the foot. A few times, the pain occurred independently in my third finger on my left hand in or around the joints where the finger extends from the hand. The pain was incredibly high and lasted for about 2-3 seconds. It now lasts between 3-6 seconds. There is no set interval and it can happen many times an hour or once every two to three hours. The pain is not triggered by temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, direct pressure, or any other factors, except one: cool water mist/drops. While I cannot find a connection to the humidity history in the weather for our area, it may be connected to humidity because the humidity seems to depend on the building or the Houston weather if I am outside. In most occurrences, the pain seems to have no known cause, except immediately after the toe comes in contact with a cool mist. A drop of liquid on my sock triggered the pain this morning for about 3-6 seconds.

These pains began a few days after switching to a gluten-free diet, which seems to really be helping my chronic stomach pains; I may be gluten-intolerant, but my body is acting like it is intolerant of being gluten-free. The places where the pain occurs is feeling a little more sensitive after every event. It feels like a very small amount of fire in the location after the pain disappears. I don't have any insurance or much money to throw at doctors for tests, etc, so I really need your help to understand what is going on and what I can do about it.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!  

Well, without an evaluation, it would be difficult to determine the cause of your pain. Possibilities include fractures, ligament/ tendon injuries, infections, inflammations like fasciitis etc, spur formation, heel fat pad syndrome, arch issues etc. It is advised to consult an orthopedician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Meanwhile it is advised to rest the foot and avoid weight bearing. You could also use some OTC NSAIDS for pain relief.  
Hope this helps.  

Take care!

[landen99]

Large quantities of B12 seem to have greatly eased the intensity and duration of the pains but it still feels like there is an issue in my hand and foot joints.  They feel a little sensitive and like they need to be "cracked."  I am also taking joint care medicine now.