Midfoot arthritis at the naviculocuneiform or tarsometatarsal joints often responds to bracing, custom orthotics, and injections. Stage-IV arthritis with collapse usually needs midfoot fusion.
You’re in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what midfoot arthritis (naviculocuneiform, tarsometatarsal) means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 to book at Howell or Bloomfield Township.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Midfoot Arthritis: Naviculocuneiform and Tarsometatarsal Joi relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township: (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon, 3,000+ surgeries performed. Updated April 2026 with current clinical evidence. This article reflects real practice experience from Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
Quick Answer
Most foot and ankle problems respond to conservative care — proper footwear, supportive inserts, activity modification, and targeted stretching — within 4-8 weeks. Persistent pain beyond that window, or any symptom that prevents walking, warrants a podiatric evaluation to rule out fracture, tendon tear, or systemic cause.
Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Midfoot arthritis — degeneration of the articular cartilage of the midfoot joints (primarily the naviculocuneiform and tarsometatarsal joints) — is a common but frequently underdiagnosed cause of chronic arch pain and midfoot stiffness, particularly in patients with a history of midfoot trauma (Lisfranc injury, navicular fracture), chronic flatfoot deformity (where midfoot joints bear abnormal loads), or inflammatory arthritis. Midfoot arthritis pain is characteristically worse with push-off and weight-bearing, and is often misattributed to plantar fasciitis or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.
Anatomy and Diagnosis
The midfoot joints: the naviculocuneiform joint (connecting the navicular to the three cuneiforms) and the tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joints are the primary midfoot articulations vulnerable to arthrosis. Post-traumatic arthritis is the most common cause: prior Lisfranc injury (even subtle ligamentous injuries develop arthrosis in up to 50% at 5 years), navicular stress fracture non-union, or talar head osteochondral lesion. Flatfoot-associated arthritis: chronic midfoot pronation and abduction places abnormal stress on the medial and middle column tarsometatarsal joints — Stage III and IV PTTD are characterized by midfoot arthrosis in addition to hindfoot deformity. Inflammatory arthritis: RA and psoriatic arthritis frequently involve the midfoot before the ankle. Clinical diagnosis: midfoot pain with weight-bearing and push-off, relieved with rest; tenderness directly over specific tarsometatarsal or naviculocuneiform joint lines; restricted range of motion at the affected joints; a rigid midfoot that does not flex normally. Diagnostic injection: intra-articular injection of local anesthetic into the suspected joint under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance — elimination of pain confirms the source. Weight-bearing X-ray: joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, and osteophytes confirm the diagnosis; stress fracture lines; the standing AP foot view is essential (non-weight-bearing views underestimate midfoot joint changes).
Treatment
Conservative: carbon fiber insole (rigid insole that eliminates midfoot joint motion during gait — the most effective conservative treatment for midfoot arthritis pain); custom accommodative orthotic; NSAIDs; intra-articular corticosteroid injection. Surgical arthrodesis: midfoot fusion of the involved joint(s) — naviculocuneiform arthrodesis or tarsometatarsal arthrodesis (Lisfranc fusion); provides reliable pain relief with loss of midfoot motion (which is already minimal in arthritic joints); 85–90% satisfactory outcomes; recovery: 6 weeks non-weight-bearing, then progressive boot weight-bearing to 3 months. Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle diagnoses midfoot arthritis with diagnostic injection and weight-bearing imaging, and performs midfoot arthrodesis for symptomatic naviculocuneiform and tarsometatarsal arthrosis. Call (810) 206-1402 at our Bloomfield Township or Howell office.
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Book online 24/7 at either office.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home care isn’t resolving your your foot or ankle concern, a visit with a board-certified podiatrist is the fastest path to accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin offer appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. We perform on-site diagnostic ultrasound, digital X-ray, conservative care, advanced regenerative treatments, and minimally invasive surgery when indicated.
Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Arthritis Essentials
Stiff-Soled Insole
Carbon-composite plate reduces painful joint flex — especially big-toe arthritis.
Semi-Rigid Orthotic
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Watch: Metatarsalgia Treatment [BEST Ball of Foot Pain RELIEF 2024] — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube
Controls painful joint motion while maintaining support.
Rocker-Bottom Walking Shoe
Reduces the painful midfoot and big-toe joint motion of every step.
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When to See a Podiatrist
Foot and ankle arthritis progresses silently — cartilage doesn’t regrow, but joint fusion, cheilectomy, and biologic injections can restore function at every stage. Balance Foot & Ankle offers the full arthritis spectrum: bracing, injections, and reconstructive surgery. Start with a consult so we can image the joint and give you a realistic 5-year outlook.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
See a podiatrist for any foot or ankle pain that persists more than 2 weeks, doesn’t improve with rest, limits your daily activities, or is accompanied by swelling, numbness, or skin changes. People with diabetes or circulation problems should see a podiatrist regularly even without symptoms.
What does a podiatrist treat?
Podiatrists diagnose and treat all conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg including plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, toenail problems, heel pain, nerve pain, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, fractures, and foot deformities — both surgically and non-surgically.
What can I expect at my first podiatry visit?
Your first visit includes a full medical history, physical examination of your feet and gait, and in-office diagnostic imaging if needed (X-rays, ultrasound). We’ll discuss your diagnosis and create a plan tailored to your foot type. Most visits take 30–45 minutes.
Need Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle?
Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin see patients at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.
Book Online or call (810) 206-1402
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Most Common Mistake We See
The most common mistake we see is: Waiting too long before seeking care. Fix: any foot pain lasting more than 4 weeks, or any sudden severe symptom, deserves a professional evaluation rather than more rest.
Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care
Seek immediate evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle if you experience any of the following:
- Unable to bear weight
- Severe swelling with skin colour change
- Fever with foot pain (possible infection)
- Diabetes plus any new foot symptom
Call (810) 206-1402 — appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Book online 24/7
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
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Appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
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Appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
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Reading goes so far. The fastest path is a 30-minute office visit. Book online for Howell or Bloomfield Township. Call (810) 206-1402.
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Appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.