Arthritis

Midfoot Arthritis:
Try to make a change in clinic.
Cavus or pronated foot type? Generally easier in a pronated foot type due to midfoot collapse, with dorsal compression on stance or during propulsion.
Try to determine what is causing the pain.

Re-lacing shoes to release pressure over tender areas – volume lacing.

Does it loosen up or get better as they are walking?

Try taping and FMT to see if you can effect a change in clinic. Re-test aggravating movements, e.g. SL squat.

Lattice taping to lift the arch of the foot. Re-test the aggravating movements again. This should relieve the dorsal compression.

Imaging – looking for osseous issues, but also, synovitis, bursitis, ganglion, sub cutaneous fatty tissue.

If lattice taping works then orthoses. Trying to bring the high point of the orthotic behind the midfoot, trying to plantar flex the forefoot on the rearfoot.

If taping doesn’t work, think about rocker sole shoes, e.g. Hoka.
If FMT didn’t do much, then still worth trying FMT because it can take a while to loosen up a joint. It may flair things up in the first few weeks but it should settle.

Consider steroid or surgery to clear up spurs, e.g. cheilectomy. Avoid fusions at all costs.

Exercise important to keep things moving.