Midfoot and Rearfoot (Tarsal) Pain Treatment in Mineola, NY

MULLIGAN CONCEPT

Midfoot and Rearfoot (Tarsal) Pain

The middle and back of the foot contain several small joints, called the tarsal joints, that let the foot adapt to the ground. After an ankle roll, with arthritis, or from repeated load, these joints can become stiff and painful. At Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola, we use Mulligan midfoot and rearfoot mobilization with movement and taping to help you walk more comfortably.

Certified Mulligan Practitioner Over 10 Years of Experience

Our clinics director is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) with over a decade
of experience using this evidence-based approach. Each treatment is customized to
your specific diagnosis and movement limitations to achieve optimal outcomes.

Common signs of midfoot and rearfoot (tarsal) pain

Pain in the middle of the foot or on its outer edge
Pain pushing off when walking or running
Stiffness on uneven ground
Pain after an ankle roll that doesn't settle
Aching after long periods of standing

What causes it

Ankle sprains, running, dance, arthritis, changes in footwear and long hours standing can irritate the tarsal joints.

How we examine it

We screen for fractures and significant midfoot injuries, which can be missed, then test each joint and how you walk. We test whether a glide makes walking easier.

Mulligan techniques we use

Midtarsal MWM. A gentle glide of the midfoot bones, such as the cuboid or navicular, while you move the foot or walk.
Subtalar MWM. A glide of the heel bone during foot movement.
Mulligan foot taping. Tape to support the joint during activity.

What the research says

Evidence for Mulligan midfoot techniques comes mainly from case reports and clinical experience. Subtalar MWM has been studied in heel pain. We use these techniques when testing shows a clear change, with strengthening and footwear advice.

What else is in your treatment plan

Your plan includes manual therapy, taping, foot and ankle strengthening, footwear advice and a return to activity.

How long recovery takes

Many people improve within 2 to 8 weeks.

When to see a doctor first

Call your doctor, or get urgent care, if you have any of the following:

Bruising on the sole of the foot after an injury (possible midfoot injury): get an X-ray
Unable to bear weight
Pinpoint bony tenderness (possible stress fracture)
A hot, red, swollen foot
A foot wound or shape change with diabetes

Midfoot and rearfoot (tarsal) pain treatment near Mineola

Enhanced Physical Therapy is at 137 Willis Ave, Suite 100, Mineola, NY 11501, a short walk from NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. We see patients from Mineola, Garden City, Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Westbury, Albertson and Manhasset, and across central Nassau County.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tarsal joints?

The small joints in the middle and back of the foot that let it adapt to the ground.

Can a rolled ankle cause midfoot pain?

Yes. Ankle rolls often irritate the outer midfoot joints too.

Do I need an X-ray?

If you have bruising on the sole, can't bear weight or have bony tenderness, yes.

Do insoles help?

Sometimes. We advise based on your foot.

Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.

Move Better, Feel Better

If this is limiting your work, sleep or activity, call Enhanced Physical Therapy at (516) 833-5880 to book an evaluation with Jacob Kurian, Certified Mulligan Practitioner. Mulligan treatment may help reduce pain and improve movement, and we will tell you honestly what to expect.