GET IN TOUCH

Midfoot Arthritis

Midfoot arthritis refers to osteoarthritis which results in pain in the joints located at the arch of the foot, and stiffness of the foot. Osteoarthritis thins and wears down the cartilage on the surfaces of joints, which in turn, can cause pain, inflammation and swelling.

What can cause midfoot arthritis?

The factors which can typically cause midfoot arthritis, and osteoarthritis in general, include; an increase in body weight; genetics (family history); joint damage as a result of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, or injury; getting older; and biomechanics, such as poor alignment of the foot and ankle or a flat, high arched foot posture. Also a previous fracture involving the joint can result in arthritis.

It should be noted that exercise such as jogging and playing sport has not been found to contribute to midfoot arthritis, or increasing the risk of developing it.

What are the symptoms of midfoot arthritis?

The predominant symptom of midfoot arthritis is pain which is felt at the top of the foot’s middle section. In some cases, shooting pain can also be experienced down to the toes. These symptoms are commonly aggravated by walking up or downstairs, which can trigger stiffness and pain.

A marked decrease in range of motion in the foot can develop, which is accentuated on surfaces that are uneven. In cases of severe midfoot arthritis, swelling around the affected area can be seen. Not everybody with midfoot arthritis will experience painful symptoms, even when the condition is quite advanced.

Treatment options

There are several treatment options which can address midfoot arthritis.

Diagnosis can begin with your doctor making a physical examination, assessing tenderness and range of movement. Further tests, such as x-ray, are usually needed. More detailed tests such as a CT scan or MRI can sometimes be helpful.

Non-surgical treatment options for midfoot arthritis include; orthotics, including inserts such as insoles which offer extra support at the arch of the foot, reducing pain; changing footwear to types with more support at the arch of the foot and around the ankle; and exercises focused on building and maintaining strength in the affected foot, as well as increasing range of motion.

Whether painkillers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, are suitable to address midfoot arthritis is open to debate but they are a good place to start. They could be effective in cases where there is a lot of inflammation. Corticosteroid injection therapy can be recommended for people with severe midfoot arthritis symptoms, it is a procedure which typically uses ultrasound guidance in order to place the needle as accurately as possible. Corticosteroid injection therapy can enable pain relief in the short to medium term, improving mobility for those with midfoot arthritis.

Surgical treatments which can be recommended for midfoot arthritis include midfoot joint fusion. Midfoot fusion is usually performed under general anaesthetic although local anaesthetic may also be used to enhance pain relief immediately after surgery.

Your surgeon will make an incision in the upper part of your foot and remove the cartilage from your joint surface(s). Using metal plates and screws they will compress the joints together to hold the joint in position. The wound will be closed with stitches or staples and a cast may be applied to hold the foot in place and control post-operative swelling. The length of your fusion surgery will depend on what area(s) need correction. Joints commonly involved include the tarsometatarsal joints or the naviculocuneiform joints. Once the surgery is performed, the foot is typically immobilised with a plaster cast for up to 6 weeks non weight-bearing. Once this period is over, weight-bearing can commence in a boot which is gradually weaned off.

As with all foot surgery it is possible for swelling to persist for some months after surgery and is completely normal. This swelling will eventually completely subside with time and can take up to 12 months but often goes well before this

Ankle pain can be distressing, especially if you're not sure what options are open to you. If you're wondering if surgery could help you, book an appointment.

* Routine private appointments either face to face or remotely are available

Call the urgent appointments hotline 0333 050 8662

Hear what our patients have to say

Mr Ajis is a great surgeon, he listens to any concern you may have and explains what is going to happen also gives great care... He suggested a fairly new procedure that wasn't available on the NHS but he pushed me through and he and his team have worked wonders, I am now healing very well and pain-free in my ankle after 6 years!

Written by a patient at BMI Goring Hall Hospital

Mr Ajis was very informative and reassuring about my surgery. He was professional at all times and allowed time for me to have all my questions answered without feeling rushed.

Written by a patient at BMI Goring Hall Hospital

I saw Mr Ajis after sustaining a fracture of my 5th metatarsal which had not healed after a year. The pain was unbearable. He saw me promptly and took the time to explain my condition with the help of x-ray images with assurances that he could fix the problem. I was advised by other clinicians to be patient and wait for the fracture to heal on its own. Mr Ajis said that healing would be highly unlikely without intervention. After numerous emails and 'phone calls to him he constantly...

...spent the time reassuring me and patiently going over the intended procedure. To date after seeking advice and guidance from Mr Ajis, his secretary and the Physio Team and the insertion of a plate my fracture has united I walk well, without pain and I have joined a walking group.