Have hd tmj for over a year. ear problems have subsided a lot but now got terrible tightness in front of ear. could this have turned into arthritis?

See your dentist!: The diagnosis and treatment of TMJ is best made by seeing your dentist or orthodontist. During your visit, your dental practitioner can evaluate and give you recommendations on how to address arthritis concerns. Although the tightness in front of ear can indicate tmj, other possibilities need to be checked. Meanwhile, avoid opening your mouth too wide, avoid hard foods and avoid excess talking.

Unlikely: That's possible but unlikely. The TMJ is one of the last joints in your body to develop arthritic changes. So unless you have severe arthritis in general, it's doubtful. Have you been treated for tmj\tmd and are you currently wearing any appliances? I suggest that you see a dentist who is very familiar with and has extensive experience treating tmd for an evaluation and treatment as necessary.

TMJ arthritis: Yes it can, but you would hear grating noises if it had become bone to bone contact. You may be in an inflammatory state and have discitis or capsulitis...Some of the forms of early arthritis.

See a specialist: Your symptoms reflect a true tmj/tmd syndrome. I would see a tmj/tmd specialist asap to determine a course of treatment.

Hard to say: Hard to say. Not normal. See a TMJ expert for guidance. Any dentist can be a TMJ expert with the proper training and experience. Most commonly, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and orofacial pain specialists. Ask your MD, your dentist and your dental society for referrals.