Cuboid syndrome causes pain on the outside (lateral side) of the foot. Sometimes it acts like a block, limiting the movement of the surrounding bones in the foot. A person often feels pain around the middle of the foot, or at the base of the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones. Pain is usually worse when weight-bearing, on uneven ground, quickly changing direction, jumping or hopping and symptoms tend to ease with rest. Walking may be difficult and people with cuboid subluxation often walk with a limp in an attempt to keep their weight off the outer foot.
Cuboid Syndrome often goes undiagnosed with ankle sprains. If symptoms continue more than three months after an inversion sprain, cuboid subluxation should be considered. There is no specific test for Cuboid Syndrome but your doctor will usually assess to see if there is pain and stiffness on examination of the bone (when they press firmly on the cuboid through the sole of your foot). Imaging studies such as x-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to show cuboid subluxation but they can be useful for ruling out other causes of pain.
Treating cuboid syndrome begins with rest and reducing or eliminating activity that involves putting weight on the foot. If the pain persists or worsens, individuals should see a doctor or physical therapist. A trained professional can perform certain foot manipulations to resolve cuboid syndrome. Manipulation of the cuboid bone works best if it is done within 24 hours of the injury. If the pain has gone on for an extended period, the injury may require many manipulations. Manipulation is not recommended if an individual is also dealing with other conditions, such as arthritis, a broken bone, circulatory or nerve problems, or bone disease. Padding, taping and custom orthotics may help to stabilize the cuboid bone as ligaments heal.
Orthobiologic Treatments such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) facilitate healing of the ligaments. The aim of using orthbiologic medicine is to support your body’s self-healing processes, reverse disease progression and suppress inflammatory reactions that can worsen pain, leading to symptom relief and recovery of function. We utilize Orthobiologic Treatments to repair the ligaments and joint naturally. Platelet Rich Plasma has a high concentration of growth factors thereby potentially changing the environment from inflammatory to healing and regenerating.
Surgery is rarely recommended for this condition, and only when other treatment options have not brought relief.
Although Orthobiologic Cell Therapy is considered by some people to be experimental, various research studies show that some marrow aspirate concentrate and platelet rich plasma injections may provide excellent relief from joint and musculoskeletal pain and ongoing inflammation.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended to replace the care or advice given by your physician. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. For more information see our Medical Disclaimer.
