There is a particular part of the foot where arthritis is most prone to develop. It’s on the top of the foot between the ankle and toes. This part of the foot is called the midfoot. People often come to our office complaining of pain on the top of the foot.
The foot can look normal, it can be swollen or a bump can be present. If an injury didn’t occur, one of the first things we think of is arthritis. Arthritis can develop in the mid-part of the foot even as young as 40 years of age. Yes, arthritis can develop even at this young age. Just like other forms of arthritis, midfoot arthritis is usually a result of genetics, and wear and tear over time.
There are many bones and joints in this part of the foot. Arthritis can develop in a single joint or many of them. If the diagnosis is made early enough, there are measures we can take to eliminate the pain and slow down the progression.
Even if a person has had arthritis for many years, there still are methods to decrease or alleviate the pain. One of the best home remedies is to wear shoes that are sturdy. The less your foot moves in the shoe the less chance of pain. Sandals, Crocs and Flip-Flops aren’t as good as athletic shoes or similar.
Pain and swelling in this part of the foot should be checked for something more serious such as a broken bone or torn tendon. Unfortunately, breaks and tears can happen without an injury.
One of the reasons why it’s critically important to address midfoot pain as early as possible is there isn’t a cure for arthritis here like there is for the knee and hip. There’s no such thing as a joint replacement for arthritis in the midfoot. We have seen many people quite hobbled by this condition. Some of them can get temporary relief but some of them do not.
The earlier a foot condition is diagnosed and treated, the better chance it doesn’t become a chronically painful problem. Having one foot break down can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health.
If you are experiencing pain on the top of your foot, between the ankle and toes, don’t wait to have the condition evaluated and diagnosed. Helping to avoid the pain and suffering of chronic arthritis is something we take great pride in.