Cuboid bone subluxation

When the foot is exposed to a succession of microtraumas or a sudden severe shock, it results in subluxation, or the cuboid syndrome.

Many sportsmen and dancers suffer from cuboid subluxation because of the circumstances in which it develops.

Because the symptoms of cuboid syndrome can be quite similar to those of other plantar diseases, it’s crucial to understand the differences.

Let’s look at what causes whole or partial dislocation of this bone portion of the foot, as well as how to cure it.

Where is the cuboid bone located?

The foot is an anatomically complex structure.

So, before we go into the specific reasons for cuboid syndrome, it’s helpful to understand what to expect when it’s subluxated.

The foot is normally split into two sections: the forefoot and the rearfoot.

The phalanges, the 14 tiny bones that make up the toes, articulate the forefoot.

The tarsus is made up of seven bones that make up the rearfoot:

The heel bone (calcaneus);
The talus bone, which acts as an anchor for the fibula and the tibia
The navicular bone;
The cuneiform bones (the lateral bone, the medial bone and the intermediate bone);
The cuboid bone.

This cuboid-shaped bone is found towards the middle of the foot, as its name suggests.
Its somewhat offset position towards the outside of the foot, on the other hand, renders it more susceptible to repeated hits.

Symptoms of a cuboid bone subluxation

The symptoms of cuboid syndrome might occasionally be confused with those of other foot problems.

However, without treatment, problems are always a possibility, so it’s vital to grasp the basics.

Things that may indicate the existence of a cuboid bone subluxation include:

Foot pain on the outside, especially when pushed on the ground;
Discomfort that may make it difficult to move;
Jumps and lateral motions are difficult or impossible;
The afflicted foot appears to be considerably swollen.
Sensitivity of the foot’s sole has increased;
Stress fractures that occur in other parts of the foot.

Similar foot pain

The symptoms of cuboid subluxation are prevalent, despite the fact that the disease is largely unknown. The majority of them may be traced back to foot injuries.

This is the case for the following:

Stress fracture, which can also accompany a dislocation of the cuboid;
Plantar fasciitis;
Heel spur;
Foot arthritis.

A number of diagnostic procedures are usually performed by the podiatrist to rule out other foot ailments and guarantee correct treatment of the cuboid syndrome.

Diagnosis

Because cuboid syndrome is complex, it frequently necessitates the expertise and equipment of a podiatrist in order to be successfully handled.

In order to accomplish this, the latter may be asked to organize the following tests:

After that, he or she can devise a treatment plan that is tailored to the patient’s requirements.

Cuboid syndrome causes and risk factors

Misalignment of the bone in respect to the other bony components of the foot is generally the direct cause of a cuboid subluxation.

Cuboid syndrome is enabled by injuries to the joints and ligaments surrounding this specific bone, but it may also be induced by more dangerous conditions.

Here are some examples:

Obesity;
A particular plantar condition such as the flat foot;
Severe pronation of the foot when walking;
The practice of sports that require rapid lateral movements such as tennis;
A lack of flexibility in the calf;
Running on uneven ground;
The use of shoes that are not adapted to the size of the foot or to the activities practiced;
Lack of rest between sports sessions.

Cuboid subluxation prevention

There are several habits that may be encouraged in order to minimize the occurrence of cuboid bone subluxation:

Maintain a healthy weight;
Avoid running regularly on steep or unstable terrain;
Purchase orthopedic inserts;
Take adequate time to rest after sport;
Wear shoes that are better suited to your feet and lifestyle.

Medical treatment for cuboid subluxation

Despite the use of preventative measures, it is conceivable that cuboid syndrome will still develop. If this is the case, the podiatrist can help reduce the foot pain in a variety of ways.

Here are some of the therapies for cuboid subluxation:

Manual foot therapy;
Therapeutic taping;
A personalized exercise program;
Custom foot orthoses;
Cortisone injection;
Anti-inflammatory drugs.

PiedRéseau – Learn more

Are you interested in learning more about cuboid subluxation? Several texts on similar topics may be found on our website!

Despite the fact that the PiedRéseau website contains useful information, nothing matches a face-to-face consultation with a podiatrist at a clinic.

Take care of your feet, they’re precious!