Cuboid Subluxation Syndrome
Cuboid Subluxation Syndrome
Common amongst runners and jumpers, Cuboid Subluxation Syndrome can present as a stubborn, painful injury. Overuse in origin, pain will usually reveal itself on the outside part of the foot an inch or so before the 5th toe. This region is known as the styloid process and is just proximal is the cuboid, one of 7 tarsals of the foot.
Cuboid Subluxation Syndrome is when the cuboid is being pushed upward due to tension of the tendons passing below it. Ligaments and joints attaching to all regions of the cuboid can develop strain from constant tension, leading to inflammation.
Which tendons are the problems?
One passing just below the cuboid is the peroneus longus tendon (aka fibularis longus). The muscle originates just below the knee, continuing down the lateral (outside) of the leg till it become a tendon. It’s main function is for stabilization of the ankle, especially when in one leg, such as in running.
How to correct Cuboid Subluxation Syndrome?
Mobilization and manipulation of the cuboid can help in some cases but in some stubborn cases of Cuboid Subluxation Syndrome treatment to the ligaments and muscles causing the chronic subluxation of the cuboid is extremely helpful. Specific soft tissue work such as Active Release Techniques® and Graston are great options. If you are anything like the athletes I treat it would be hard to stop you from training, in this case taping of the area is a great way to decrease chronic irritation as well.
Correct treatment of Cuboid Subluxation Syndrome should yield positive results within 4 – 6 sessions. If you are not seeing results, just remember there are other options out there; try something new and see if it helps.
Cuboid Subluxation Syndrome should not stop you from performing at your best. Just know it can be fixed, regardless of the horror stories you might hear from running forms.
