Midfoot pain
What is midfoot pain?
Most people do not come in asking for midfoot fusion. They come in because every step hurts across the top of the arch. Mornings are stiff. Long walks feel like walking on a bruise. Shoes that used to feel fine now press on sore joints. By the end of the day the foot can throb, and uneven ground is the worst. You may notice a slow change in the shape of the foot, or a feeling that it is giving way.
That is usually when people make an appointment. They want to know why it hurts, if it will get worse, and what they can do now. My job as an orthopaedic surgeon is to work out which joints are the troublemakers and lay out simple options, starting with non-surgical care.
First-line treatment for midfoot pain
First steps before midfoot surgery
Typically, we look at non-surgical options first. The goal is to settle pain, support the arch and keep you moving without rushing into an operation. For example, we might try:
- Supportive shoes with a firm sole to reduce bending through the sore joints
- Custom or prefabricated orthotics to share load across the midfoot
- Activity tweaks and pacing, especially if you stand all day or walk on uneven ground
- Physiotherapy to build strength and balance around the foot and ankle
- Simple pain relief or anti-inflammatories as advised by your GP
- A targeted cortisone injection for a short-term flare, when appropriate
- Weight and lifestyle support if extra load is a factor
If these steps control your symptoms, surgery may not be necessary. If pain keeps limiting your life despite good non-surgical care, that is when an orthopaedic surgeon will discuss whether midfoot fusion is the right next step for you.
Midfoot fusion Perth
What is midfoot fusion?
Midfoot fusion is an operation that joins the worn joints in the middle of the foot so they no longer move against each other. The aim is to remove the painful movement, straighten the arch if needed, and create a stable base for walking. It is most often used for midfoot arthritis, but can also help some foot deformities after injury.
This procedure aims to reduce painful movement and improve stability. The goal is a foot that feels more reliable for everyday activities.
How the midfoot fusion works
As your foot and ankle surgeon, I’ll make small cuts on the top of your foot. Damaged cartilage is removed from the painful joints. The bones are positioned in good alignment and held with plates and screws. Bone graft may be added to help the bones grow together. Only the problem joints are fused. The rest of the foot keeps its normal movement.
Recovery after midfoot fusion
As your foot and ankle surgeon, I’ll make small cuts on the top of your foot. Damaged cartilage is removed from the painful joints. The bones are positioned in good alignment and held with plates and screws. Bone graft may be added to help the bones grow together. Only the problem joints are fused. The rest of the foot keeps its normal movement.
| First 2 weeks: | rest, elevate, keep dressings dry |
| 0 to 6 weeks: | boot and crutches, usually not putting weight through the foot |
| 6 to 12 weeks: | guided increase in weight bearing as X-rays show healing |
| After 12 weeks: | move into supportive shoes and continue physiotherapy |
As your foot and ankle surgeon, I’ll make small cuts on the top of your foot. Damaged cartilage is removed from the painful joints. The bones are positioned in good alignment and held with plates and screws. Bone graft may be added to help the bones grow together. Only the problem joints are fused. The rest of the foot keeps its normal movement.
FAQ What are the main risks of midfoot fusion?
Infection, wound problems, blood clots, nerve irritation or numbness, non-union where the bones do not fuse, and hardware issues. Your personal risks depend on health, smoking status, bone quality and the number of joints fused.
FAQ What if the bones do not fuse?
Most fusions heal. A small number need longer in the boot or a further procedure. We aim to reduce this risk with careful joint selection, secure fixation and, when needed, bone graft, but the risk cannot be removed completely.
FAQ Will nearby joints wear out?
Stiffer segments can shift load to nearby joints over many years. Not everyone develops symptoms. We fuse only the joints causing pain to reduce this risk.
FAQ Will I be pain free?
The goal is meaningful pain reduction from the fused joints. Some stiffness is expected. Results vary between individuals.
Foot and ankle surgeon Perth
When to see a foot specialist?
If that midfoot ache has lingered for more than six weeks, is getting in the way of work or family life, or you can see the shape of your foot changing, book an appointment. We try to see patients as soon as possible. We’ll organise the right scans, and talk you through simple, non-surgical options first. If those are not enough, we can speak about whether a midfoot fusion matches your goals and everyday life.
The Foot & Ankle Centre provides orthopaedic surgery focused on the foot and ankle in Perth. Surgery is performed at Hollywood Private Hospital (Nedlands) and St John of God Murdoch. You will see an orthopaedic surgeon who works only in foot and ankle surgery, and you will receive balanced information to support an informed choice.
FAQs
Should I see a podiatrist first, or ask my GP for a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon?
Start with podiatry if your pain is mild or new. They can assess, guide footwear, orthotics and activity changes. Ask your GP for a referral to a foot and ankle surgeon if pain lasts over six weeks, the arch is collapsing, work or family life is limited, or you had a significant injury or known arthritis. A GP referral is needed for a Medicare rebate to see an orthopaedic surgeon. Remember, seeing a foot and ankle surgeon does not mean surgery. It means clarity on the problem and the best first steps.
Why choose midfoot fusion over ongoing flare-ups?
Possible benefits include steadier walking, fewer sharp pains through the arch and easier shoe wear, but results vary and cannot be guaranteed.
Will I still be able to walk and exercise?
Walking comfort may improve after healing, although recovery and outcomes differ from person to person.
Can midfoot fusion help foot deformities?
Yes. When foot arthritis and deformity occur together, fusion can straighten and stabilise the arch while addressing pain.
