Cuboid Syndrome: When Your Foot Needs a Little Extra Support

‍What is the Cuboid Bone?

Your foot is an intricate structure, made up of many bones working together to keep you on your feet. One of these is the cuboid bone, located on the outer side of your foot. It helps maintain stability and supports the arch during movement.

Understanding Cuboid Syndrome

Cuboid Syndrome happens when the cuboid bone moves slightly out of its normal position. This can be triggered by an injury like an ankle sprain, repetitive strain, or even wearing poorly fitted shoes. Foot mechanics such as overpronation (rolling the foot inward) or having high arches can also play a part in the development of this condition.

Symptoms of Cuboid Syndrome

If your cuboid bone is acting up, here’s how it might present itself:

• Pain or tenderness on the outer side of the foot.
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight.
• Feeling of instability or shifting in the foot.
• Swelling or redness near the cuboid bone.
• A popping sensation when moving the foot.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suspect you have Cuboid Syndrome, it's best to visit a podiatrist. At Stride Foot & Ankle Clinic, we will assess your symptoms and may perform tests like foot manipulation to determine the source of the issue. Occasionally, we might order an X-ray to rule out other foot conditions.

Thankfully, treatment is usually simple and non-invasive:

• Rest: Taking a break from activities that stress the foot allows healing to begin.
• Ice: Reducing swelling with an ice pack can help ease discomfort.
• Manual Adjustment: We might manually adjust the cuboid bone to bring it back into place—trust our team to do this carefully.
• Footwear: Wearing supportive shoes is essential to avoid further strain.
• Custom Orthotics: If foot mechanics are contributing to the issue, custom orthotics can help balance and support the foot properly.

Recovery and Prevention

With the right care, Cuboid Syndrome can heal in a few weeks. Here’s how to avoid a recurrence:

• Warm up and Stretch: Always stretch your feet and ankles before exercise.
• Pay Attention to Pain: If you feel pain or instability in your foot, rest and seek help before it worsens.
• Wear Supportive Shoes: Choose shoes with good arch support and cushioning.
• Strengthen Your Feet: Regularly do exercises that build strength in your feet and ankles.

By looking after your feet, you'll reduce the risk of Cuboid Syndrome coming back. Remember, early treatment is key to keeping your feet healthy and pain-free.

Need Help?
If you’re experiencing foot pain or think you might have Cuboid Syndrome, fill out the form below and one of our expert team will be in touch.

Disclaimer: This post is for information purposes only. Please consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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