The cuboid bone is located on the outside of the foot, and cuboid syndrome may happen if it becomes inflamed. An injury can cause this bone to move out of alignment, and it is often accompanied by pain and swelling on this part of the foot. Additionally, the affected foot may have a limited range of motion, and the toes may feel weak. In severe cases, the gait, or walking style, may be altered to compensate for the injured foot. Some of the injuries that can cause this condition may happen from unexpectedly stepping off of a step, or suddenly twisting the ankle. An activity that puts intense strain on the ankle bones and ligaments may also lead to the development of cuboid syndrome, which may be common among people who enjoy running and jumping activities. Some patients may be prone to getting this ailment, including people who wear shoes that do not have adequate support or run on uneven surfaces. Effective treatment begins with stopping the activity that caused the condition, if applicable, followed by frequently resting and elevating the foot as often as possible. If you have pain in this part of your foot, please consult a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Matthew McQuaid, DPM from Lake Mendocino Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lakeport and Ukiah, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.