.jpeg)
Cuboid subluxation (or cuboid syndrome) is a condition that affects the midfoot area. It occurs when there is an injury to the cuboid bone or the joints and ligaments attached to it.
You may not know why the little toe side of your foot hurts, but you know you need relief. Accordingly, it’s essential to understand the potential causes and treatments so that you can get back to walking without unnecessary pain.
Could I Have Cuboid Subluxation?
Often, the first sign of an injury is pain along the outside, or lateral side, of your foot. People experience cuboid syndrome pain differently. The pain could:
- Come on suddenly or gradually get worse over time
- Get worse when you put weight on your foot or exercise
- Be sharp or dull
- Increase if you stand on your toes
- Extend out to your ankle
Pain may not be the only symptom you experience. You could also have:
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Weakness or reduced range of motion
- Trouble hopping, walking, or jumping
- Sensitivity on the bottom of your foot
- Limping due to pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, you deserve to find out what is causing your pain and how it may be treated.
What Causes Cuboid Subluxation?
This condition can be caused by an injury to the ligaments in this area or by overuse of certain motions that strain the ligaments. Athletes, like runners and dancers, who repetitively perform high-impact activities are at risk of injuring this part of their foot.
Other risk factors include:
- A foot injury, such as a sprained ankle
- Feet that roll inward when you walk
- Sports with rapid sideways movements, such as tennis, pickleball, racquetball, dancing, and basketball
- Wearing shoes that don’t fit well
- Running on uneven surfaces
- Being overweight
If you experience these symptoms, your podiatrist will examine you to determine if you have cubid syndrome.
How Is Cuboid Subluxation Diagnosed?
Cuboid syndrome symptoms are similar to symptoms of other foot problems, and it can be challenging to diagnose with imaging tests such as x-rays and MRIs. Accordingly, seeing an experienced sports injury podiatrist for a complete exam is essential. Your Twin Falls podiatrist will examine your foot to determine where your pain is most significant and whether you are experiencing symptoms. Additionally, your doctor will rule out other causes of your pain so that an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan can be developed.
Can Cuboid Subluxation Be Treated?
Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for those suffering from cuboid subluxation. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments depending on your pain, long-term goals, and overall health:
- Rest. Sometimes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (also known as RICE) can relieve the pain of cuboid subluxation.
- Physical manipulation. This treatment is most effective soon after you first experience pain. It is not appropriate for everyone with cuboid subluxation. Your podiatrist will explain whether you are a candidate for manipulation, how it works, and how it may benefit you.
- Stabilization. Braces or orthotics may help stabilize your foot and keep your foot in the correct position.
- Surgery. If the treatments described above do not work, your doctor may suggest surgery.
You should be comfortable with your treatment plan and confident that you can prevent future foot injuries. After a cuboid subluxation diagnosis, you need a podiatrist who will review all of your options with you so that, together, you can decide how best to get rid of the pain, heal your foot, and get you back to the activities you enjoy.
Contact a Sports Injury Podiatrist Today
If you experience cuboid syndrome symptoms, contact a sports injury podiatrist in Twin Falls or Burley today. Dr. Matt Wettstein would be pleased to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for your foot pain. Call our Twin Falls office (208) 731-6321 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.
|
Related Links: |