August 2019

The pain and discomfort that is often associated with cuboid syndrome is typically found on the outside of the foot. It occurs if the cuboid bone becomes dislocated, and this can be from a result of an ankle sprain or it can gradually develop from a stress fracture. Some of the symptoms that are often experienced by patients who have cuboid syndrome can include swelling and tenderness on the outside of the foot, and it may be difficult to stand or walk. Mild relief can be felt by resting the foot as often as possible, and additional support may be obtained by taping the foot and ankle. Research has indicated it is beneficial to perform stretches and exercises as quickly as possible after the injury has occurred, as this may help the foot to become stronger. If you feel you may have cuboid syndrome, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

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 University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. 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 one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot and ankle injuries are very common in sports, especially among people that play tennis, soccer and run on a regular basis. That is why it is necessary to take some precautions in order to prevent injury. To start off, it is important to warm up the muscles before a sporting activity. Doing a light stretch and a slow jog for two to three minutes will do the trick. A second tip is to condition your muscles. The amount of time spent on a certain activity should be increased gradually over a period of a couple weeks to build both muscle strength and mobility. A third tip is to choose athletic shoes that specifically fit your foot type. People whose feet pronate or who have low arches need shoes that provide support in both the front of the shoe and under the arch. It is also recommended to choose a shoe with more cushion and a softer platform. A fourth tip is to avoid running or stepping on uneven surfaces. Holes, tree stumps, roots and paths with a rocky terrain or loose gravel should be avoided when running. If you have ankle problems, it is best to run on a softer surface like asphalt instead of concrete. A final tip is to listen to your body. If foot and ankle pain is experienced during a sport, you should stop taking part in the activity until the pain fully subsides. It is vital to go through a full rehabilitation process before returning to the sport. This is done to prevent any recurrent injuries. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while playing a sport, it is advised to see a podiatrist. 

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with one of our podiatrists from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A common foot ailment that many patients suffer from is known as toenail fungus. The medical term for this contagious condition is referred to as “onychomycosis”. There are several noticeable symptoms that are associated with toenail fungus including thickening of the nail, discoloration, and cracking. Diabetic patients may be more susceptible, due to a weakened immune system. Additionally, if there has been an injury that has happened to the nail, or if circulation problems exist, these conditions may lead to the development of toenail fungus. Research has indicated that there are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent this condition from occurring. These can include wearing appropriate shoes while in public swimming pools and surrounding areas, avoiding sharing nail clippers, and keeping the feet clean and dry. If you have this ailment, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer the proper treatment solutions.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When children’s feet are properly cared for, specific foot problems may be avoided as they get older. One of the first things parents can do for their children is to wash and dry their feet daily, especially between the toes. It is encouraged for toddlers to walk barefoot while indoors, and this may be helpful in strengthening the overall foot as the toes grasp the floor. When children are walking outdoors, it is beneficial to have your child’s feet measured, as this can help in determining that the correct size shoes are purchased. It is important that the toes have adequate room to move freely in, and socks should be made of breathable materials. Additionally, trimming your child’s toenails correctly may prevent ingrown toenails. If you would like more information about how to take care of children's feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.