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Cuboid syndrome develops when the cuboid bone and nearby joint in the foot move out of their normal position or become irritated. The cuboid is a small bone located on the outer side of the foot near the ankle. Pain from cuboid syndrome is usually felt along the outside of the foot. The area can also become tender or swollen. Some patients notice weakness in the foot or difficulty moving it normally. Pain can become worse when standing or placing weight on the affected foot.

An ankle injury can lead to cuboid syndrome, especially when the ankle rolls inward. Repetitive stress can also irritate the area. Activities that place repeated pressure on the feet, like running or dancing, can increase the risk. Foot structure can also play a role. People with flat feet can be more likely to develop cuboid syndrome because changes in foot mechanics can place extra stress on the cuboid area. Wearing shoes that are too tight can also contribute to foot problems. Because symptoms can resemble other injuries, determining the exact source of outer-foot pain is important.

A podiatrist can examine the foot to determine whether the cuboid area is causing the pain. The evaluation can include checking tenderness, joint movement, and how the foot functions when weight is placed on it. A podiatrist can also assess foot structure and walking patterns that could contribute to repeated stress. Treatment can focus on restoring proper movement and reducing pressure on the painful area. Supportive devices can also help address foot mechanics that contribute to symptoms.  An accurate diagnosis is important because fractures and other foot conditions can cause similar pain. If you have symptoms of cuboid syndrome, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. 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 Baytown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain can affect your daily routine and make simple activities uncomfortable. Foot pain describes discomfort anywhere in the foot, including the heel, arch, or toes. Symptoms may include aching, burning, or sharp pain. Nerve pain often feels different and may cause burning, tingling, or electric-like sensations. These symptoms can develop gradually or appear suddenly. Common causes include overuse, injuries, and structural problems. Identifying the source is important because treatment depends on the condition causing your discomfort.

Nerve pain in the forefoot may involve Morton’s neuroma or interdigital neuralgia. Morton’s neuroma is irritation and thickening around a nerve between the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes. It can cause burning pain, numbness, or a feeling that something is inside your shoe. Interdigital neuralgia is nerve-related pain between the toes that can produce similar burning or shooting sensations. Risk factors for these conditions include narrow shoes, high heels, and activities that place pressure on the forefoot.

A podiatrist will begin by discussing the symptoms and reviewing your medical history. A careful foot examination can help identify tenderness, nerve sensitivity, or changes in foot structure. The podiatrist may gently press between the toes to reproduce symptoms. Imaging tests may be recommended when another problem needs to be ruled out. Treatment often begins with wearing supportive footwear and activity changes. Custom orthotics may help redistribute pressure. Padding can also reduce irritation around sensitive nerves. When appropriate, medication or an injection may provide additional relief. 

Getting an accurate diagnosis can help you choose the right path toward healing. Ignoring persistent nerve pain may allow symptoms to interfere with walking, exercise, or work. A podiatrist can monitor the healing process and adjust treatment as needed. Early attention may also prevent ongoing irritation from becoming a larger problem. If burning, tingling, or forefoot pain continues, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Big toe fusion is a surgical procedure used to treat severe arthritis in the main joint of the big toe. This joint plays an important role in walking because it helps the foot push off the ground with each step. Arthritis can damage the joint surfaces, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. When symptoms become severe and other treatment options have not provided enough relief, surgery may be considered. During big toe fusion, the damaged joint surfaces are removed, and the bones are positioned together so they can heal as one solid structure. This stops painful movement within the arthritic joint.

The procedure is designed to reduce pain and provide a more stable big toe. Metal screws or a plate may be used to hold the bones in the correct position while they join together. Because the joint is permanently fused, it will no longer bend normally after surgery. However, the end joint of the big toe can still move. Most people are able to return to normal walking once healing is complete. The procedure may also help improve the position of a severely deformed big toe. As with any surgery, possible complications can occur, including infection, nerve irritation, or problems with the bones joining together.

A podiatrist can evaluate ongoing big toe joint pain and determine whether arthritis or another foot problem is affecting movement. The evaluation can help determine whether surgical treatment, including big toe fusion, may be appropriate. A podiatrist can explain how the procedure affects joint movement and discuss what to expect during recovery. The decision to have foot surgery depends on the severity of the arthritis and its effect on everyday activities. If severe big toe pain or stiffness is making walking increasingly difficult, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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

Stress fractures are small cracks in bones that develop from repeated force rather than one sudden injury. They frequently affect weight-bearing bones in the feet and lower legs. Runners and athletes can develop these injuries, but anyone who places repeated stress on the feet can be affected. A sudden increase in exercise can raise the risk of a stress fracture. Changes in training surfaces can also place added strain on bones. Pain usually develops gradually and becomes more noticeable with weight-bearing activity. Swelling and tenderness can occur around the injured area.

Stress fractures can affect several bones in the foot. The metatarsals, which are the long bones behind the toes, are frequent sites of these injuries. Stress fractures can also occur in the heel and other foot bones. Weak bones can make a person more likely to develop a fracture from repeated stress. Pain can become more severe when the injury is not properly treated. Continuing activities that place pressure on the injured bone can interfere with healing. Because other foot problems can cause similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins.

A podiatrist can evaluate a suspected stress fracture by examining the painful area and reviewing recent changes in physical activity. Imaging tests can help identify the injury, although some stress fractures are difficult to see on early X-rays. Treatment focuses on reducing pressure on the injured bone so it can heal properly. A podiatrist can use protective devices to limit stress on the foot and recommend appropriate changes in activity. Prompt care can reduce the risk of the crack becoming larger or healing incorrectly. If you have symptoms of a stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Baytown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.