Causes

Arthritis can affect any of the many joints in the foot.  Osteoarthritis often involves the mid-foot usually after a previous injury or the collapse of the inside arch of the foot. However an it can be caused by an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment will aim to reduce the inflammation around the joint, prevent further damage and alleviate the effects of any deformity. The precise treatment will depend on the precise location and the severity.

Diagnosis

Standing X-rays are essential and some blood tests may be needed to check for rheumatoid arthritis. However advanced imaging is usually the key, especially computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a bone scan (SPECT).  In complex cases the precise  injection of steroids under image guidance can give temporary relief and confirm the site of the damage. This will suggest the effectiveness of any permanent surgical treatment.

Treatment

The full benefit of non-operative treatments such as insoles, pads, shoes, physiotherapy and medicines will need to be assessed before embarking on surgery.

Surgery

Where the damage is limited to just a few joints, a mid-foot fusion (the two bones grow into one) can reduce the painful grinding movements.

More information is available from the versusarthritis.org