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Mr Lucky JeyaseelanConsultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Patient information

Midfoot arthritis

Midfoot arthritis affects the joints in the middle of the foot, where several small bones meet.

Medically reviewed by Mr Lucky Jeyaseelan, Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon (GMC 6164291) · Last reviewed October 2026

What is it?

Midfoot arthritis affects the joints in the middle of the foot, where several small bones meet. The cartilage wears and bone spurs form, causing pain across the top of the foot.

What causes it?

  • Previous injury, especially Lisfranc injuries.
  • Inflammatory arthritis.
  • Flat feet.
  • General wear.

Common symptoms

  • Aching pain across the top or middle of the foot, worse when walking.
  • A bony lump on top of the foot that rubs on shoes or laces.
  • Swelling, and the arch sometimes flattening.

How is it diagnosed?

Your surgeon will examine the foot and arrange X-rays taken while standing. A CT scan, or an injection to identify which joint is causing pain, can help plan treatment.

Things you can do now

  • Wear stiff-soled or rocker-soled shoes, so the middle of the foot bends less as you walk
  • Use insoles with good arch support
  • Loosen laces over any bony lump on top of the foot
  • Use simple pain relief as needed

Treatment

Treatment is tailored to your individual needs, symptoms and goals. Depending on your situation, it may include stiff-soled shoes, insoles with arch support, pain relief, a guided steroid injection and surgery to remove bone spurs or fuse the painful joints.

Mr Jeyaseelan will talk you through the options that are right for you at your consultation.

When to see a specialist

  • Pain across the middle of the foot limits your walking
  • A bony lump on top of the foot rubs in shoes
  • Footwear changes are no longer enough

What to expect

Many people manage well with stiff-soled shoes and insoles, with occasional guided injections. Fusion of the painful joints gives reliable relief when needed.

Common questions

Where can I see a specialist about midfoot arthritis in London?

Mr Lucky Jeyaseelan, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises only in the foot and ankle, sees private and insured patients with midfoot arthritis at Align Orthopaedics on Harley Street, The London Clinic on Devonshire Place, HCA London Bridge Hospital, HCA UK at The Shard, HCA UK City of London on Old Broad Street and The Holly Hospital in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. See all clinic locations or request an appointment.

Do I need a GP referral?

Self-funding patients can book directly, though a GP letter is helpful. Most insurers need a GP referral before they authorise your consultation, so check with yours first.

This information is general and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Your diagnosis and treatment plan will be tailored to you.

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