Cuboid Syndrome
Encyclopedia
Cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation
describes a condition that results from injury to the joints and ligaments in the vicinity of the cuboid bone, one of seven tarsal
bones of the human foot
.
This condition often manifests in the form of lateral (little toe side) foot pain and sometimes general foot weakness.
Cuboid syndrome, which is relatively common but not well defined or recognized,
goes by other names, including "lateral plantar neuritis, cuboid fault syndrome, dropped cuboid, locked cuboid and subluxed cuboid."
The pain may be observed in a controlled environment by standing on the toes or rolling the arches of the foot
, as these motions tend to exercise the foot's calcaneocuboid joint and ligament, which are characteristically strained in a patient suffering from cuboid syndrome.
Also, the pain may come on suddenly or it may develop gradually and persist over time.
Sometimes the pain is intermittent, subsiding partially or completely for a period of time before returning again.
The condition mainly affects athletes, especially those whose activities incur a significant amount of pressure on their feet from jumping or running (such as ballet dancers
and runners) and those who place added strain on their feet during lateral maneuvering (such as tennis and basketball players).
Cuboid Syndrome may persist even if the patient is taking part in regular physical therapy
.
The patient's foot type
, such as the presence of overpronation or underpronation, may also play a factor in the condition.
This form of manual manipulation of the foot should be done by a trained specialist, such as an osteopath, chiropractor
, podiatrist or physical therapist.
Further treatment may take into account other considerations, such as possible causes or aggravators (e.g. recommending that the patient be fit with custom orthotics
if they are overprone).
Fortunately, subluxed cuboids are generally quite treatable
and most patients return to a normal level of activity once the pain is brought under control.
Subluxation
A subluxation may have different meanings, depending on the medical specialty involved. It implies the presence of an incomplete or partial dislocation of a joint or organ. The World Health Organization defines both the medical subluxation and the chiropractic subluxation...
describes a condition that results from injury to the joints and ligaments in the vicinity of the cuboid bone, one of seven tarsal
Tarsus (skeleton)
In tetrapods, the tarsus is a cluster of articulating bones in each foot situated between the lower end of tibia and fibula of the lower leg and the metatarsus. In the foot the tarsus articulates with the bones of the metatarsus, which in turn articulate with the bones of the individual toes...
bones of the human foot
Foot
The foot is an anatomical structure found in many vertebrates. It is the terminal portion of a limb which bears weight and allows locomotion. In many animals with feet, the foot is a separate organ at the terminal part of the leg made up of one or more segments or bones, generally including claws...
.
This condition often manifests in the form of lateral (little toe side) foot pain and sometimes general foot weakness.
Cuboid syndrome, which is relatively common but not well defined or recognized,
goes by other names, including "lateral plantar neuritis, cuboid fault syndrome, dropped cuboid, locked cuboid and subluxed cuboid."
Symptoms
A patient with cuboid syndrome usually seeks medical advice and attention complaining of pain, discomfort, or weakness in their foot, usually experienced during sporting exertion or impact, such as landing from a jump.The pain may be observed in a controlled environment by standing on the toes or rolling the arches of the foot
Arches of the foot
-External links:* * *...
, as these motions tend to exercise the foot's calcaneocuboid joint and ligament, which are characteristically strained in a patient suffering from cuboid syndrome.
Also, the pain may come on suddenly or it may develop gradually and persist over time.
Sometimes the pain is intermittent, subsiding partially or completely for a period of time before returning again.
Causes
A patient may develop cuboid syndrome through either a single injury event or repetitive strain over time.The condition mainly affects athletes, especially those whose activities incur a significant amount of pressure on their feet from jumping or running (such as ballet dancers
and runners) and those who place added strain on their feet during lateral maneuvering (such as tennis and basketball players).
Cuboid Syndrome may persist even if the patient is taking part in regular physical therapy
Physical therapy
Physical therapy , often abbreviated PT, is a health care profession. Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment/intervention,and rehabilitation...
.
The patient's foot type
Foot type
Foot type refers to differences in foot structure and shape, as reflected in pronation during heel strike running.Foot type affects the reduction of impact on the foot while walking, jogging, or running...
, such as the presence of overpronation or underpronation, may also play a factor in the condition.
Treatment
Once diagnosed, a medical professional may treat cuboid syndrome by realigning (also known as reducing) the subluxed cuboid.This form of manual manipulation of the foot should be done by a trained specialist, such as an osteopath, chiropractor
Chiropractor
A Chiropractor, according to the Association of Chiropractic Colleges , "focuses on the relationship between the body's main structures – the skeleton, the muscles and the nerves – and the patient's health. Chiropractors believe that health can be improved and preserved by making adjustments to...
, podiatrist or physical therapist.
Further treatment may take into account other considerations, such as possible causes or aggravators (e.g. recommending that the patient be fit with custom orthotics
Orthotics
Orthotics is a specialty within the medical field concerned with the design, manufacture and application of orthoses. An orthosis is an orthopedic device that supports or corrects the function of a limb or the torso...
if they are overprone).
Fortunately, subluxed cuboids are generally quite treatable
and most patients return to a normal level of activity once the pain is brought under control.