Midfoot Arthritis: Email Advice

My 88 year old mother was recently diagnosed with midfoot arthritis in both 
feet.  The orthopedic surgeon said she was not a good candidate for 
surgery. Besides ice and heat therapy, would taping, orthodics or rock 
shoes help reduce the pain?

Dr. Blake's comment: you are asking all the right questions. Yes, for midfoot arthritis most patients, even much younger then your mom do well with activity modifications to keep the pain at 0-2, orthotic devices to support the tissue, occasional taping for more support with increase stressful activities, and rocker shoes like New Balance 928. Weight can be a big issue at her age, so she made have to get by with lighter shoes but good stable orthotic devices. Way to be the running of son of the year!! Good luck my friend. Rich

Make sure she ices the top of the foot for 10 minutes twice a day until it begins to feel a lot better.

The following is an excerpt from a previous post:

3. Midfoot Arthritis/Arthralgias

     So many of my patients develop midfoot arthritis as they age. Golden Rule of Foot: Pain and swelling in the middle of your foot if you are over 60 or have had previous injuries to this area is midfoot arthritis until ruled out by MRI, CT Scan, or bone scan. Like any arthritis situation, it has both a conservative treatment side and a surgical fusion side. I have only had to recommend fusions to a handful of all my patients over the years.  

    The top 10 treatments for midfoot arthritis/arthralgias:

1. Ice Pack for 10 minutes twice daily to the top of the foot

2. Contrast Bath each evening home for 20 minutes total as a deep flush

3. NSAIDs only when needed to sleep or when the pain over 4 consistently

4. Learn a daily form of tape from supportthefoot.com or Kinesiotape circumferential arch wrap. Daily until symptoms improve, then as needed, like with long hikes.

5. Removable boot, hiking boot, bike and hike shoe, or post op shoe  when need to limit motion more.

6. Custom made functional foot orthotic devices with high arch support as a cast initially full time, and then just with activities more stressful.

7. Daily Foot and Ankle Strengthening forever. Go to Youtube and type drblakeshealingsole foot and ankle strengthening playlist.

8. Activity Modifications to create pain free environment, and build core strength and get cardio.

9. Physical Therapy or Acupuncture to reduce inflammation.

10. Occasional cortisone shots to reduce inflammation (the least as possible).

https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Keep-Moving-Guide-Podiatrist/dp/1483586553