Whenever I go out jogging or even walking for several miles I sometimes get a pain on the base of my 3rd and 4th toes on my left foot. My GP diagnosed it as being a touch of arthitis probably due to jogging long distances with inappropriate footwear. I recently noticed that by dipping my foot in cold water the pain goes away. Would this not indicate an injury to a tendon as opposed to arthritis?
RE: Does Cold Water relieve Arthritic Pains?
No - It still could be either.
The cold water will stimulate the circulation and so improve drainage of any local inflammation, which could be in the joint (arthritis) or tendons (tendonitis).
I suggest seeing an osteopath to pin the diagnosis down & treat as appropriate.
One likely senario is a collapsing of the transverse arch of the foot. This isn't the long main arch of the foot, but is a smaller arch that runs across the ball of the foot. This then causes impact to the metatarsal heads leading to the middle toes and joints with the toes themselves. If not dealt with if can progress onto a condition called Morton's Neuralgia/Metarsalgia where some of the nerves leading into the toes start to get irritated and inflamed causing further pain.
Some relief could be gained with the right prescribed orthotics in your running shoes, but they won't address any underlying issues i.e. stiffness in the mid foot, heel or ankle that would causestrain on the forefoot, which would automatically and compensate.
Other issues;- could beyour actual jogging technique could be improved or you may have a collapsing of the main (longitudinal) arch of foot.
Hope that helps - Andrew.
RE: Does Cold Water relieve Arthritic Pains?
Hi
Cold water is very good for pains after exercise. Keep up the excellent job.
A cold shower can work wonders to-It will stimulate your blood circulation.:D
Keep your feet elevated on a pad, blanket, pillow or the like when you go to sleep at night.
You'll be found smiling, and so will ya feet!
Also, sadly avoiding sugars will help your bones; sugars and starchies take away calcium:( (Sorry)
Best wishes, mate!
RE: Does Cold Water relieve Arthritic Pains?
Hi Jog,
much as I dont like to disagree with the advice already given, the use of cold water will actually cause vaso-constriction which has the reverse effect on the circulation, it restricts bloodflow because the veins and arteries contract, this is why we 'ice an injury' in the acute phase to stop the circulatory processand inhibit the formation of scar tissue. I would also mention that if you have been running for a number of years injury free, the prescription of orthotics( unless in the short term) will change the mechanical process that is used in the gait cycle, so I would avoid these until a full assessment of your condition is undertaken. As Anahata suggests a trip to Osteopath might help but as a slightly biased 'sports therapist' with a particular interest in movement pattens and rehabilative exercise might I suggest seeing a therapist who specialises in sports people and particularly in running.
As a post script, arthritis sufferers usually feel worse in cold damp weather, I know from personal experience how painful it can be
best regards
GAz
RE: Does Cold Water relieve Arthritic Pains?
Hi Jog,
You have some good advice all from all here.
From what I have learnt, if you have the water really cold i.e. ice cold, it will vaso constrict and decrease the blood flow which is useful in an acute situation.
If you have the water cold but not ice cold, it will send a signal to the brain that will increase circulation and lymphatic drainage without swelling the area (as in applying heat) and without over contriction as ( as in applying ice). So this would probably be good in your case.
Ice, heat and cold will all PAIN GATE which is change the signal of pain back to the brain, to the sensation which they cause.
Chris