Midfoot Arthritis Treatment Miami, FL
Midfoot Arthritis
Midfoot arthritis is a condition in which the joints of the midfoot become inflamed and painful due to damage to cartilage or surrounding tissues. This damage may result from injury, aging, or autoimmune conditions. The midfoot is composed of five lesser tarsal bones:
- Cuboid
- Navicular
- Medial Cuneiform
- Intermediate Cuneiform
- Lateral Cuneiform
These bones work together to provide stability and help with walking, running, and weight- bearing.
Symptoms
Common signs of midfoot arthritis include:
- Pain and inflammation that worsens with standing or walking
- Tenderness over affected joints
- Bony prominence on the midfoot
- Stiffness and discomfort, especially with the first steps in the morning
- Gradual or sudden onset of midfoot pain
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine your midfoot to assess tenderness, swelling, and joint motion. A detailed medical history helps identify the cause of arthritis. Imaging may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate severity:
- X-ray: Detects joint space narrowing and bone changes
- CT scan: Provides detailed images of the bone structure
- MRI: Evaluates cartilage, ligaments, and soft tissue
Treatment
Non-Surgical Options
Conservative management is often tried first:
- Pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs, including corticosteroids
- Supportive and comfortable footwear
- Activity modification to avoid excess strain
- Low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling
- Strengthening and range-of-motion exercises
Surgical Options
When non-surgical methods fail, midfoot fusion (arthrodesis) may be recommended. This procedure fuses the affected bones to reduce pain and prevent rubbing of damaged joints.
Midfoot Fusion Procedure:
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Incisions are made based on the number of bones needing fusion
- Damaged cartilage and soft tissue are removed carefully
- Bone grafts (autograft, allograft, or synthetic) may be used to fill gaps
- Bones are stabilized with screws, plates, or metal implants
- Incision is closed, and the foot is bandaged
Complications (rare):
- Non-union of bones (smoking increases risk)
- Delayed healing
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Nerve injury
Recovery:
- Foot is placed in a medical boot for 6-10 weeks
- Non-weight-bearing using a walker is recommended initially
- Activity that stresses the foot should be avoided for 2-3 weeks
- Physical therapy is initiated to restore flexibility, strength, and range of motion
Why Choose Dr. Alejandro Pino
Dr. Pino is a specialist in advanced midfoot reconstruction and uses precision techniques for fusion and stabilization to maximize pain relief and restore function. His approach minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues, ensures optimal alignment, and is tailored to each patient's lifestyle. With expert postoperative guidance, patients achieve better mobility and faster recovery while reducing long-term complications.
