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Outer Foot Pain May Indicate Cuboid Syndrome

Cuboid syndrome occurs when there is an injury to the joint and surrounding ligaments of the cuboid bone on the outer side of the foot. It is often seen in athletes, gymnasts, and dancers, due to repetitive stress and movement. Symptoms include pain along the outside of the foot that worsens with weight bearing, difficulty walking, and a decreased range of motion. Some people may also notice weakness or instability in the foot. Risk factors include overuse, improper footwear, and previous ankle injuries. A podiatrist can assess the foot, restore proper alignment, and recommend supportive treatment. If you have pain on the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may 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 one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors 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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Foot and Ankle Injuries in Pickleball

Pickleball combines quick movements, sudden stops, and rapid changes in direction, which can place stress on the feet and ankles. Injuries often include sprains, strains, and tendon problems, with Achilles tendon injuries being especially common. Older males may face a higher risk due to decreased flexibility and conditioning. Other risk factors include improper footwear, uneven playing surfaces, and lack of warm-up or stretching. These injuries can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility if not addressed early. A podiatrist can diagnose the injury, provide treatment, and recommend supportive footwear or exercises to promote healing and prevent future problems. If you have foot or ankle pain during or after playing pickleball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

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Lupus Can Lead to Foot Problems

Lupus is a long-term autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This leads to inflammation throughout the body, including the feet. The result is joint pain, swelling, and stiffness that make walking uncomfortable. The small joints in the feet and ankles are often involved, which can limit movement and affect completing daily activities. Lupus can also affect blood vessels, leading to poor circulation that causes the toes to feel cold, appear discolored, or become painful as blood flow changes. Skin problems like rashes or slow-healing sores also can develop. In addition, nerve irritation may lead to numbness, tingling, or burning sensations. A podiatrist can assess foot function, evaluate circulation, and test nerve health to address these issues. If you are suffering from foot pain related to lupus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief tips and management of this condition. 

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

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Numbness in the Feet and Loss of Sensation

Numbness in the feet can develop from several causes related to nerve function, circulation, or underlying conditions. One common cause is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves responsible for sensation, and can interfere with how the feet detect touch, temperature, and pain. The nerves play an important role in balance and protection, so when they are impaired, individuals may notice tingling, burning, or a reduced ability to feel the ground when walking. Causes include diabetes, prolonged pressure on nerves, injury, or poor circulation. Symptoms can develop gradually and may worsen over time, increasing the risk of unnoticed cuts or sores. A podiatrist can evaluate sensation and circulation through an examination ,and may recommend further testing, if needed. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause and protecting the feet. It also aims to improve function through supportive care and targeted exercises. If you have numbness in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnose and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

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Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

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North Brunswick Office
602 Livingston Ave
North Brunswick, NJ 08902

Phone: (732) 246-1377
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