Midfoot Arthritis
What is midfoot arthritis?
The midfoot is an anatomical area in the middle of the foot. Midfoot arthritis develops when the midfoot joints have damaged or worn out cartilage. It predominantly affects the tarsometatarsal joints.
Midfoot arthritis is characterised by pain, swelling and stiffness. Usually symptoms develop gradually overtime. There is often an associated bony prominence on top of the foot. The foot can change shape, with progressive flattening or collapse of the medial arch.
Why does midfoot arthritis develop?
Midfoot arthritis develops for several reasons. The midfoot is predisposed to developing post-traumatic arthritis following a midfoot fracture or dislocation, for example a Lisfranc injury, even if initially well managed. Osteoarthritis of the midfoot can develop even in the absence of an injury. The midfoot can be affected in patients with inflammatory arthritis, for example rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. Tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction is when the medical arch of the foot can flatten and overtime arthritis can develop.
What are the available treatments for midfoot arthritis?
In the first instance simple treatment measures are recommended to try and reduce your symptoms. These can have significant benefit and help avoid having surgery. Some treatments for midfoot arthritis are listed below, but it is not exhaustive.
Weight loss if you are overweight can be extremely effective to lessen further joint damage and reduce midfoot pain.
Appropriate footwear should be tried consisting of a supportive stiff soled shoe. Alternatively a “rocker bottom” shoe can reduce the forces going through the midfoot joints whilst walking.
An Orthosis (a medical insole) can be useful in improving foot function and reducing pain by supporting the foot. You can be referred to the Orthotist for a specialist opinion.
Simple painkillers such as paracetemol, ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory gels can reduce pain. Ask advice from your doctor or pharmacist before taking anti-inflammatory medicines as they can have side-effects in some people.
Physiotherapy may be beneficial in the early stages of the condition to keep the calf muscles stretched and avoid overloading the midfoot whilst walking.
Steroid injection into the midfoot, although more invasive, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Surgery for midfoot arthritis is only recommended as a last resort, once all simple treatment measures have been exhausted and if your symptoms remain significant. Surgery can involve removing any bony prominences on top of the foot but most often entails a midfoot fusion of the painful joints.
Wellbeing Advice
Patients that have a healthy diet, take regular exercise and refrain from smoking are more likely to experience a quicker recovery with a more successful outcome from their surgery.
If you have any concerns about your general health and well-being (diet, exercise, smoking cessation) you are encouraged to discuss this with your GP, who will be able to provide advice on the options available to you.
We hope this leaflet has answered any questions you might have. If you have any further queries, please feel free to discuss them with any of the medical or nursing staff.
Testimonials
My condition had deteriorated to the point that I was unable to walk for extended periods of time without pain and swelling of the ankle, and I would rarely be able to join in most family activities. The support and guidance provided by Mr Ramasamy were exemplary and enabled me to make a fully informed decision regarding the options available to me. Now, the pain is much more manageable and the stability that the treatment has provided is such that I feel that I regained a significant part of my life and as such my confidence.
I found Mr Ramasamy extremely professional and reassuring. On the day of my procedure I received the most efficient, organised and professional care in my life. Your nurses were the best I have ever experienced. Mr Ramasamy’s team, in theatre made me feel at ease and made the whole procedure more bearable. They go way beyond the extra mile for their patients.
I wanted to share my excellent experiences and compliment Mr Ramasamy and his team. I found him extremely professional and reassured that he understood how much pain I was in. On the day of my procedure, it was the most efficient, organized and professional care I have ever received – from checking into reception to being allocated a bay and taken into theatre – your nurses in the recovery area were the best I have ever received. Mr Ramasay’s team, especially in theatre, made me feel at ease, kept me informed throughout the whole procedure and made the whole procedure more bearable.
Frequently Asked Questions
After your appointment you will be emailed an invoice to be paid within 30 days via a bank transfer.
Our practice is covered by the major healthcare insurance providers. If you have private medical insurance, please contact your insurer to confirm that you are covered for your consultation and imaging appointments and whether you will need a GP referral. Please do this prior to seeing your Consultant. Your insurance company will provide you with an authorisation code which we will need when booking your appointment, along with your policy or membership details. All of this information can be obtained from your insurance company.
Depending on your specific insurance policy you may liable for some of the costs and there may be certain outpatient treatments such as joint injections and blood tests that may not be fully covered by your insurance policy. Please note, even if you are privately insured, you are entirely responsible for all of your consultants’ fees and that the contract you undertake is with your consultant and not your insurance company.
In most cases, your outpatient costs should be covered by your insurance company, but please check as this can vary depending on your individual insurance and excess policy. If you are a self-pay, new appointments are £250 and follow up appointments are £175.
If you have not seen the Consultant previously for this problem, you have a different problem or if it is more than 1 year since your last appointment then please book a new appointment.
If you are claiming through your health insurance, they may require a referral from your GP or therapist before authorising your consultation and treatment. If you are unsure then please call 01908 014 486 or email us on admin@mercuryfootandankle.clinic and one our team will be able to assist you. If you are paying for treatment yourself then you do not need a referral letter.
To arrange an appointment with one of our Consultants, please call 01908 014 486 or email us on admin@mercuryfootandankle.clinic
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