Midfoot arthritis is a common cause of pain in the foot in middle-aged and elderly patients. The midfoot connects the heel to the front of the foot. So, arthritis affecting the midfoot can be particularly disabling for active people. So, how do you diagnose midfoot arthritis, and what can you do about it?

What is the mid-foot?

The midfoot connects the heel with the front of the foot. It consists of several small midfoot bones with multiple joints connecting the bones. It generally supports the foot and provides shock absorption for the foot arch.

Symptoms of arthritis on top of foot

The cartilage lining the midfoot joints generally wears away, leading to bone-on-bone exposure. Typically, symptoms of arthritis in the top of foot include:

  • pain in the midfoot is usually made worse by walking or sport
  • stiffness in the midfoot
  • localised swelling
  • limping if arthritis gets worse

Usually, an assessment by a doctor reveals tenderness at the joints of the midfoot and stiffness in midfoot movements.

Diagnosis of midfoot arthritis

In general, a diagnosis of midfoot arthritis uses a combination of the doctor’s assessment and imaging.

Usually, people with mid-foot arthritis are tender to palpate at the site of arthritis.

We use X-rays to confirm a diagnosis. Sometimes, an MRI or standing CT scan is helpful to detect early changes that are not picked up on an X-ray. 

Treatment of midfoot arthritis

foot treatment

Generally, we try simple treatments first. Exercise therapy is effective at reducing pain and improving function. Effective therapies include calf strengthening, midfoot mobility exercises, joint manipulation, and orthotics.

Other effective treatments include weight loss and tablets such as ibuprofen.

In complex cases, an ultrasound-guided injection may help reduce pain and improve your ability to walk and play sports.

Finally, we recommend surgery in cases that have failed simple treatments. Options include a midfoot fusion or osteotomy.

More on injections for midfoot arthritis

Overall, we suggest injections after simple treatments have failed. Generally, we recommend injection therapy in combination with exercise.

Options for injection include cortisone and hyaluronic acid. Cortisone is a potent anti-inflammatory that reduces swelling and pain in the midfoot joints. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in joints, bones, and tendons. It provides lubrication and reduces inflammation. In general, hyaluronic acid lasts longer than cortisone. Finally, PRP has been used by some doctors with mixed effects. 

In general, we recommend you start with cortisone first. You can move on to other injectables if you find cortisone less effective.

Generally, we do injections under ultrasound guidance to improve injection accuracy and effectiveness.

Final word on midfoot arthritis 

Diagnosis of midfoot arthritis is often delayed due to various reasons. Simple treatments such as exercise and orthotics help significantly. However, in some cases, injections improve pain and function and prevent the need to have major surgery.

Related conditions:

Dr. Masci is a specialist sport doctor in London. 

He specialises in muscle, tendon and joint injuries.