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Cuboid Syndrome or Cuboid Subluxation: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Exercise, Diagnosis

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What is Cuboid Syndrome or Cuboid Subluxation?

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There are 7 tarsal bones present in the rear and mid-foot and one of them is the cuboid bone. Cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation is a condition, which occurs after an injury to the joints and ligaments present near the cuboid bone. Cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation often occurs with peroneal tendinopathy or after a major ankle inversion sprain. It can also occur independently. The calcaneocuboid joint becomes partially dislocated, i.e. between the heel bone (calcaneus) and the cuboid present anteriorly. Treatment of cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation comprises of physically manipulating the displaced joint back into position by a physician.

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Cuboid Syndrome or Cuboid Subluxation
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Symptoms of Cuboid Syndrome or Cuboid Subluxation

  • Pain and weakness in the foot is the most common symptom of cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation.
  • Patient suffering from Cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation are likely to experience symptoms of pain upon weight bearing.
  • Worsening pain when the whole body weight is shifted to the affected foot.
  • There may be significant overpronation of the foot.
  • Swelling may be present.
  • Pain symptoms associated with Cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation may develop gradually. It may sometimes subside completely and then start again.
  • Foot bone is usually tender to touch accompanied with swelling and redness and difficulty walking.
  • People suffering from Cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation tend to limp when walking.

Symptoms of Cuboid Syndrome or Cuboid Subluxation

Causes of Cuboid Syndrome or Cuboid Subluxation

  • Trauma or injury to the foot is the most common cause of cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation.
  • Stress to the foot over time.
  • Sports persons or athletes are commonly affected by this as they are involved in activities which put a lot of pressure on their feet such as jumping or running.
  • If the patient has pre-existing overpronation or underpronation of the foot, then the risk for injury and developing cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation increases.

Treatment of Cuboid Syndrome or Cuboid Subluxation

  • Patient should seek medical consultation immediately.
  • The physician will physically reduce the cuboid bone back into its normal position.
  • The foot can be taped to maintain the aligned position.
  • Proper foot wear should be used.
  • A cuboid pad can also be used to maintain the joint position.
  • Ice therapy can be used to reduce any swelling associated with Cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation.
  • Pain killers can be given to relieve pain associated with cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation.
  • Arch support insoles can be used to keep the joint in position.
  • If the cause of cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation is peroneal tendonitis, then this should be treated.
  • Corticosteroid injections can be given for pain relief.
  • Rest. One of the most important treatment modality for Cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation is to provide rest to the injure foot. Use of crutches may be advised for a couple of days to weeks to avoid weight bearing on the injured foot.
  • Many people tend to experience recurrent cases of cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation. In order to avoid this, it is important to perform exercises to increase strength, improve range of motion and also do some balance improvement exercises, which can go a long way in preventing injuries like sprain.

Exercises for Cuboid Syndrome or Cuboid Subluxation

It is important to perform exercises to increase strength and improve the range of motion of the foot in order to prevent stiffness of the foot following cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation.

Exercises for cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation should be started once the condition has healed and the patient is pain free to speed up the recovery period to return to full activity. Patient should be initiated on exercises that improve balance so as to avoid reinjuring the foot. A proper physical therapy exercises can help in quicker recovery from cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation.

Diagnosis of Cuboid Syndrome or Cuboid Subluxation

Cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation is often misdiagnosed as imaging studies like X-rays or MRI often fail to show subluxed cuboid, but nevertheless these imaging studies are important to rule out any other conditions or fractures that could be the cause of pain and discomfort. Physician will conduct a thorough examination palpating the foot bones and moving the foot in all directions to see that elicits any pain.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:June 20, 2018

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