The Cuboid Bone and Cuboid Syndrome

The cuboid bone is a small, cube-shaped bone on the outer side of the foot between the heel bone and the 4th and 5th metatarsal. It helps provide stability and supports weight during movement. Cuboid syndrome occurs when this bone becomes partially dislocated or misaligned, leading to pain and difficulty walking. Symptoms include aching on the outer foot, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Causes can involve overuse, ankle sprains, improper footwear, or repetitive strain. Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, and participation in sports with sudden directional changes. A podiatrist can diagnose cuboid syndrome, realign the bone, provide supportive taping, and recommend a change in footwear or custom orthotics. If you have persistent outer foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what might be going on.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Ankle Awareness and Its Role in Balance and Sports Performance

The ability to sense joint position, known as proprioception, is essential for stability and movement control. In the ankle, this sense plays a critical role in maintaining balance, especially during quick changes in direction or uneven surfaces common in sports. When ankle proprioception is sharp, athletes can adjust their movements efficiently, reducing the likelihood of missteps or falls. However, injuries like sprains can impair this system, making future injuries more likely. Rehabilitation that includes balance training and targeted exercises helps restore ankle awareness and strengthen neuromuscular coordination. Improved proprioception not only aids recovery but also enhances overall athletic performance by supporting quicker reactions and more confident movements. If you are recovering from an ankle injury or notice ongoing instability, it is suggested you speak with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Heel Pain in Children

Sever’s disease is  common of cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, as the result of inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It typically occurs during growth spurts when the heel bone grows faster than surrounding muscles and tendons. Risk factors include high-impact activities like running and jumping, tight calf muscles, and wearing unsupportive footwear. Beyond heel pain, symptoms include swelling, limping, or discomfort during physical activity. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend stretching exercises, and suggest activity modifications, supportive footwear, or orthotics to relieve pressure. If your active child experiences persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the condition.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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When Ingrown Toenail Surgery Is Needed

Ingrown toenails can be painful and may require surgery if they repeatedly grow into the skin or lead to infection. Ingrown toenail surgery is often considered when conservative care fails or if the nail causes swelling, drainage, or difficulty walking. During this procedure, a podiatrist may remove part or all of the nail, and, in some cases, also treat the nail bed to help prevent the problem from returning. The surgery may also involve removing built-up tissue surrounding the nail or draining infected fluid. To reduce the chance of future issues, the remaining nail edge is shaped to avoid pressing into the surrounding skin. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, and the foot must be kept clean afterward to support healing and lower the risk of infection. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition of the toe and determine whether surgery is the best choice for relief. If you have a problem ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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