Cuboid Syndrome causes pain on the outside of the foot

  Staff        May 17, 2013

The most common cause of pain on the outside or lateral side of the foot is a condition usually called cuboid syndrome. The cuboid is a bone that is about half way down the outside of the foot and acts as a pulley for the tendon of a large muscle on the outside of the leg. As this tendon passes under the bone, the bone is going to have to be very stable to act as the pulley. If the bone is not stable and moves when this pulley passes around it, then the ligaments of the joints around the bone are going to get strained, resulting in the condition of cuboid syndrome. The treatment for this condition usually involves some rest and strapping to help prevent the joint moving as much. Often a manipulation can be helpful to mobilize the joint and reduce any subluxation. Sometimes foot orthotics are useful.

“Overpronation”

  Staff        May 10, 2013

Overpronation or excessive pronation can be a problem that leads to a range of problems, especially in athletes. Overpronation occurs when the ankle collapses inward and the arch of the foot flattens. This creates alignment and weight bearing problems that can be painful if combined with higher levels of sports activity. There are many different causes of this problem and many different treatments. The treatment has to match the cause. The treatment might involve a change in running technique; exercises for muscle retraining; foot orthotics or other forms of rehabilitation. The important thing is note about ‘overpronation’ is that there is so much nonsense written about it online that you need to be careful (see this for a good understanding and this about the problem of the myths).