The talonavicular joint is one of the joints that makes up the ankle, allowing the foot and lower leg to articulate. Three separate joints at the hind foot comprise what people think of as the ankle joint; orthopedically speaking, the "ankle" is technically the first of these joints, located at the junction between the tibia, fibula, and talus bone. The talonavicular joint is the lowest of the three ankle joints, spanning to the midfoot.

At this part of the ankle, located on the inside of the middle foot, the talus and navicular bones articulate. This joint neighbors two additional structures, the calcaneocuboid and the subtalar joints. Together, they provide stability across the midfoot and allow the foot and ankle to flex during walking and other physical activities. The series of small articulations in the ankle and foot make it one of the most complex areas of the skeleton, along with the hands.

As people age, arthritis in this joint is very common, especially if someone has a history of athleticism or hard physical labor. Arthritis may manifest initially as a feeling of pain, soreness, and tenderness in the midfoot. The patient may notice that the area around the talonavicular joint feels hot, and the surrounding tissue can swell, which may make shoes uncomfortable. It is also possible to break this area of the foot with crush injuries or severe falls.

Treatment of a talonavicular joint disorder usually starts with a physical examination and x-ray. The doctor may order additional imaging, such as an MRI study, if there are concerns about hairline fractures or other injuries that may be difficult to detect on an x-ray. The x-ray may show a break or the tell-tale signs of inflammation. In severe arthritis, inflammation can cause bone spurs to develop along the bones of the ankle, and these may exacerbate the pain and soreness.

Conservative treatment can include anti-inflammatory medications, rest, compression, and hot or cold compresses. If these measures do not work, the doctor may recommend a brace or walking boot to stabilize the joint and give it a chance to recover. Surgery may be necessary in serious talonavicular injuries. A surgeon can pin the bones of the joint if necessary in addition to trimming away any bone spurs. It may be possible to perform a minimally invasive procedure through small incisions around the ankle joint to limit the risk of complications and speed the patient's healing time.