Cuboid Syndrome, is where the ligaments/joints near the cuboid bone become injured or torn, causing pain on loading.
Cuboid Syndrome Treatment
What is Cuboid Syndrome?
The cuboid bone is pyramid shaped bone with 6 surfaces on the lateral (outside) aspect of the foot. Cuboid Syndrome, is where the ligaments and joints near the cuboid bone become injured or torn.
This condition is sometimes referred to as cuboid subluxation, locked cuboid or dropped cuboid where the Cuboid bone has moved but is not completely dislocated.
Due to the nature of the injury and inconsistent terminology the condition is often poorly understood and misdiagnosed.
Cuboid Syndrome is common, representing approximately 4% of all foot injuries. Most people who have this condition correctly diagnosed and treated make a full recovery.
What are the causes of Cuboid Syndrome?
The mechanics of the Cubiod Calcaneal (heel bone) joint are highly variable.
There are 2 main causes of cuboid syndrome:
- Plantar-flexion and inversion injuries
This is where your cuboid bone moves outwards but your heel bone moves inwards from your foot. This can dislocate one or more bones and tear ligaments in the area
- Overuse
Caused by overuse or repetitive strain on your foot. This is a common cause for people who play sports that involve a lot of sudden running, jumping, or moving side-to-side.
Flat foot gait can also causes cuboid syndrome.
What are the risk factors?
- Midtarsal instability
- Excessive body weight
- Ill-fitting or poorly constructed orthoses or shoes
- Exercise (ie, intensity, duration, frequency)
- Training on uneven surfaces
- Sprain of the foot or ankle
- Cuboid syndrome may be more prevalent in individuals with pronated feet due to the increased moment arm of the peroneus longus
What are the symptoms of Cuboid Syndrome?
- Redness near area of injury
- Loss of mobility both actively and passively
- Weakness in your toes
- Tenderness and swelling along the lateral (outside) foot
- Pain with walking most noticeable at push off or side to side movements
Treatment for Cuboid Syndrome
- Soft tissue release
- Joint mobilisation
- Taping
- Custom orthotics
- Dry needling
- Tailored exercise program
What can I do at home?
There are several things you can do from home to help relieve the pain of Cuboid Syndrome.
They include:
- Resting the foot and limiting physical activity
- Icing the inflamed area 2-3 times a day for 15-minutes
- Anti-inflammatories if approved by your healthcare provider
Anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic medication, rest and heat packs may help some of the symptoms.
Recovery typically takes a couple of months, however this depends on the severity of the disc bulge and nerve root compression. It is important that you do not engage in strenuous activity or sport as this may worsen or aggravate the condition.
How to book an appointment?
If you think that you may be suffering from Cuboid Syndrome, or you’re looking for a physiotherapist near me, our team at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess and diagnose the condition. They will then tailor your treatment plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.
All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.
You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.
Need Help?
Are you suffering from Cuboid Syndrome? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment.
Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.