Overview
Mueller-Weiss syndrome (also called Brailsford-Müller-Weiss syndrome or spontaneous osteonecrosis of the navicular in adults) is a rare condition affecting a small bone in the foot called the navicular bone. This bone sits in the middle of the foot and plays an important role in walking and bearing weight. In Mueller-Weiss syndrome, the navicular bone slowly loses its blood supply, causing the bone tissue to break down and the bone to collapse or fragment over time. This process is called avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis. The condition mainly affects middle-aged adults, especially women, and usually causes pain on the inner side of the midfoot that gets worse with walking or standing. The foot may become swollen, tender to the touch, and the arch of the foot can flatten or change shape. Symptoms often develop gradually and can be mistaken for other foot problems, which sometimes delays diagnosis. Treatment ranges from conservative options like rest, custom shoe inserts (orthotics), and pain medications to more involved treatments like immobilization in a cast or boot. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to stabilize or fuse the affected bones. While the condition is not life-threatening, it can significantly affect a person's ability to walk and stay active. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to slow the progression and preserve foot function.
Key symptoms:
Pain on the inner or top part of the midfootSwelling around the middle of the footTenderness when pressing on the navicular bonePain that gets worse with walking, standing, or physical activityFlattening of the foot archStiffness in the midfootLimping or altered walking patternFoot deformity as the condition progressesDifficulty wearing regular shoesReduced ability to walk long distances
Clinical phenotype terms (21)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Mueller-Weiss syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Mueller-Weiss syndrome.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Mueller-Weiss syndrome.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What stage is my Mueller-Weiss syndrome, and how quickly might it progress?,What are the best non-surgical options for my level of symptoms, and how long should I try them before considering surgery?,What type of surgery would you recommend for me, and what are the risks and expected outcomes?,Will I need custom orthotics, and how do I get fitted for them?,Are there any activities I should avoid to prevent the condition from getting worse?,How often do I need follow-up imaging to monitor the bone?,Are there any clinical trials or newer treatments I should know about?
Common questions about Mueller-Weiss syndrome
What is Mueller-Weiss syndrome?
Mueller-Weiss syndrome (also called Brailsford-Müller-Weiss syndrome or spontaneous osteonecrosis of the navicular in adults) is a rare condition affecting a small bone in the foot called the navicular bone. This bone sits in the middle of the foot and plays an important role in walking and bearing weight. In Mueller-Weiss syndrome, the navicular bone slowly loses its blood supply, causing the bone tissue to break down and the bone to collapse or fragment over time. This process is called avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis. The condition mainly affects middle-aged adults, especially women, a
How is Mueller-Weiss syndrome inherited?
Mueller-Weiss syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Mueller-Weiss syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Mueller-Weiss syndrome is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.