Midfoot Pain and Osteoarthritis

Midfoot pain is a common issue that often feels like a deep ache or stiffness across the middle of the foot. Symptoms may appear during walking, standing for long periods or when moving over uneven ground, and can gradually become more noticeable over time.

Many people describe discomfort when pushing off during walking, reduced flexibility through the arch or a feeling of the foot being “tired” or unstable. Symptoms can flare with increased activity, certain footwear or changes in walking surfaces.

A frequent cause of midfoot pain is osteoarthritis, where the small joints in the middle of the foot become irritated or worn. This can develop gradually with age, previous injury, changes in foot posture or repetitive loading. Other causes include soft‑tissue irritation, joint strain or overload from activity.

An assessment helps identify which joints or tissues are involved, how the foot is loading and what’s contributing to the discomfort. This may include reviewing movement, strength, footwear, walking patterns and any relevant medical history.

Treatment usually focuses on reducing irritation, improving support through the midfoot and helping the joints move more comfortably. This may involve activity guidance, strengthening, footwear changes, insoles, offloading strategies or other targeted approaches depending on your goals.

If symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks, are affecting your day, or keep returning, an assessment can help you understand what’s going on and what will help it improve.