I'm 68 with RA & a few other things as well. I had 3 different docs recommended the triple arthrodesis (fusion), for midfoot collapse due to the RA. I apparently have multiple tendon years as well, which I was told are common in RA. My son in law is a DPT at Hopkins and he is familiar with all of these types of issues in the practice of PT. He said not to have the surgery. It's a terrible year long recovery, no guarantee it's going to eliminate the pain and then the ankle is fused and that's the end of that. He felt that the better answer for me was an "Arizona" brace. It's custom made, by folks who make prosthetics & such. I'm so glad I listened to him! A brace is cumbersome to an extent, because you have to wear it, but I swear with this brace and weekly acupuncture, my foot feels so much better. It's a real shame when your feet go bad, but so important to try to stay mobile.