Midfoot Arthritis Exercises Handout

What is midfoot arthritis?

Midfoot arthritis refers to inflammation and degeneration of the joints in the middle of the foot, often resulting in foot pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. The condition arises when the cartilage protecting these joints wears away, leading to bone-on-bone friction and joint pain. It frequently occurs due to aging, repetitive stress, or injuries such as post-traumatic arthritis. Certain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, which involves the immune system causing inflammation, also contribute to its development.

Symptoms may include ankle pain, tenderness near the big toe, and swelling. Over time, untreated midfoot arthritis can weaken the calf muscles, strain the Achilles tendon, and lead to complications like plantar fasciitis. The condition often affects individuals over 50, people with flat feet, or those with prior foot injuries.

The long-term effects of midfoot arthritis may include deformities, chronic arthritic feet, and increased instability in the feet and ankles. These limitations limit mobility and independence, underscoring the importance of early intervention and targeted treatments like physical therapy and specialized foot exercises. Understanding risk factors and recognizing symptoms early can prevent permanent damage and improve quality of life.

The exercises and treatments for midfoot arthritis aim to alleviate foot pain, improve flexibility, and maintain joint health, ensuring better long-term outcomes for those affected.

Examples of Midfoot Arthritis Exercises

Here are some effective foot exercises designed to target midfoot arthritis, alleviate pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the affected areas. These exercises help to relieve arthritis pain in the affected foot and can be incorporated into daily routines to improve overall foot health.

Toe salutes

Toe salutes strengthen the big toe and improve foot flexibility and control, targeting the midfoot joints.

• Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor.
• Start off with an active big toe stretch. Lift your big toe while keeping the other toes down, then relax.
• Next, lift the four smaller toes while keeping the big toe down, then relax.
• Perform the exercise on both feet as needed.

Toe splaying

Doing a toe splay increases toe flexibility and strengthens muscles in the midfoot, promoting stability and reducing stiffness.

• Sit with your feet resting on the floor.
• Spread your toes apart as far as possible, hold briefly, then relax.
• Repeat the exercise several times for each foot.

Towel curls

Towel curls target the intrinsic foot muscles, enhancing strength and support for the midfoot area.

• Place a small towel on the floor in front of you.
• Put down your foot forward, placing it on the towel with your heel at the very edge, and the toes pointed to the middle.
• Use your toes to scrunch and pull the towel toward you without lifting your heel.
• Repeat the exercise for the other foot.

Ankle alphabet

This exercise improves ankle mobility, indirectly supporting midfoot flexibility and reducing stiffness.

• Sit with elevated legs, ensuring your feet are off the ground. As long as your feet are raised, you can keep your knees straight or bent.
• "Write" the alphabet in the air using your foot, with the big toe acting as the pen.
• Complete the full alphabet before you switch feet.

Calf stretch

The calf stretch reduces strain on the midfoot by improving flexibility in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon.

• Stand facing a wall, placing your hands against it for support.
• Step one foot back, keeping that knee straight and the other leg bent forward.
• Straighten that leg and lean gently forward into the wall until you feel a gentle stretch in the calf of the foot you stepped behind you.
• Hold the stretch, then switch legs and repeat.

Marble pickup

This exercise enhances toe strength and dexterity, benefiting the midfoot area.

• Place several marbles on the floor.
• Use your toes to pick up each marble and transfer it to a nearby container.
• Repeat the activity for the opposite foot.

Ball roll

The ball roll massages the sole of the foot and can help relieve pain.

• Sit on a chair and place a golf ball or similar object under your foot.
• Roll the ball gently from your heel to your toes, applying light pressure.
• Do it with the opposite leg and repeat as needed.

How to use our Midfoot Arthritis Exercises Handout?

Our Midfoot Arthritis Exercises handout is designed to help healthcare professionals guide patients through effective routines for managing arthritis pain. The handout includes detailed procedures, images to aid understanding, and blank fields for customizing the routine to suit individual needs.

Step 1: Access the template

Start by opening the Midfoot Arthritis Exercises template in the Carepatron app. You can click "Use template" to customize it digitally before printing, or "Download" to obtain a ready-to-use fillable PDF. Ensure all necessary materials, such as props for the exercises, are available.

Step 2: Demonstrate the exercises

Before providing the handout, demonstrate the exercises to the patient or caregiver. Show how to perform each movement properly, like keeping the feet flat or stretching gently. Highlight common mistakes and explain the purpose of each exercise to build their confidence in performing them at home.

Step 3: Provide the handout to the patient/caregiver

Give the completed handout to the patient or caregiver, ensuring they understand how to follow it. Discuss how to track progress, the importance of consistency, and when to adjust the routine. Encourage questions to clarify any uncertainties.

Step 4: Schedule follow-up assessments

Plan regular follow-ups to evaluate the patient’s progress and adapt the exercise routine as needed. Use these sessions to address new concerns, refine techniques, and ensure the patient remains motivated to maintain their exercise regimen.

Benefits of using our Midfoot Arthritis Exercises Handout

Our Midfoot Arthritis Exercises handout provides a structured and customizable approach for healthcare professionals to help patients manage arthritis symptoms effectively. Here are its key benefits:

Streamlines exercise guidance

The handout includes clear instructions and visual aids, making it easier for healthcare professionals to demonstrate exercises and for patients to perform them correctly at home.

Encourages patient engagement

With customizable fields, the handout empowers healthcare professionals to tailor routines to each patient’s needs, promoting better adherence and long-term commitment to the exercises.

Enhances communication and documentation

The template serves as a professional record, ensuring both the healthcare provider and patient track progress consistently while fostering a better understanding of the treatment plan.

Improves outcomes for arthritis management

By incorporating evidence-based exercises, the handout helps relieve pain, improve mobility, and strengthen affected areas, contributing to a better quality of life for patients with midfoot arthritis.