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What Is Cuboid Subluxation?

The cuboid bone is a cube-shaped bone that is located along the outer side of the foot and provides stability to the foot. A cuboid subluxation happens when this bone is displaced from its normal position, causing pain and impaired function. This condition commonly affects athletes like dancers and runners, who use their feet to push off the ground. Diagnosing cuboid subluxation requires a thorough evaluation by a podiatrist, and may include imaging, such as an ultrasound. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury, but usually consists of conservative measures, such as cuboid manipulations, bracing or taping the affected foot, orthotics, rest, and foot and ankle strengthening exercises. Following successful treatment, most patients are quickly back on their feet and resuming their usual activities. If you have a foot injury, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist.

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 Family Foot Care. 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 offices located in Valatie, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Caring for Your Child’s Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails can be difficult to deal with, especially for pediatric patients. To help prevent your child from developing an ingrown toenail, it’s important that you do not trim their toenails too short, and that you do not put footwear or socks on that are too tight for their feet. If your child has an existing ingrown toenail, it can be helpful to soak their feet, as well as help them to avoid putting pressure on the affected foot. In more serious cases, the ingrown toenail can become infected. Usually an infection can be recognized by increased swelling or redness, blisters may form, and the child can develop a fever. To help care for your child’s ingrown toenail, it’s recommended that you seek the professional advice and care of a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

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How Vitamins Can Help Prevent Cracked Heels

Cracked heels can be unpleasant to look at and may also cause a great deal of foot pain if left untreated. In serious cases, the cracks may turn into fissures, which are deep cracks in the skin that can lead to bleeding. While cracked heels are linked to dryness of the skin, they may also form due to a vitamin deficiency. If you aren’t getting the proper vitamin intake, the skin may become dry, dull, and prematurely age. Vitamin E is particularly beneficial in protecting collagen in your skin, and can be found in foods such as avocados, mangos, and salmon. For more information on what vitamins may help the prevention of cracked heels, please consult with a podiatrist.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

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An Overview of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain in the ankle and foot. It is caused by compression or damage to the posterior tibial nerve, which runs down the back of the calf, through the tarsal tunnel located near the heel, and down into the sole of the foot. Other than pain, the most common symptom of tarsal tunnel syndrome is a burning or tingling sensation when walking or standing, especially along the inner side of the ankle, that usually goes away with rest. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat tarsal tunnel syndrome. Potential treatments might include corticosteroid injections, prescription orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in severe cases, surgery to relieve the pressure on the posterior tibial nerve. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

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