Calcaneal Cuboid Syndrome – A Common Cause of Lateral Foot Pain

Calcaneal Cuboid syndrome is an often misdiagnosed and mistreated source of lateral (outside) mid foot pain. It is believed to arise due to disruption to the normal movement of the calcaneocuboid joint. Depending on what you read some refer to the cuboid bone ‘subluxing’ or moving out of its normal position. Cuboid syndrome has various terms including cuboid fault syndrome, dropped cuboid, subluxed cuboid, locked cuboid and peroneal cuboid syndrome. Cuboid syndrome accounts for approximately 4% of all foot injuries and is present in approximately 7% of lateral ankle sprains.

What are the symptoms of Calcaneal Cuboid Syndrome?

The most common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain on the lateral side of your foot where your smallest toe is. This pain might feel sharper when you put your weight on that side of your foot or when you push on the arch on the bottom of your foot. Also, the pain associated with cuboid syndrome might spread to other parts of your foot, too, when you stand on the front of your toes.

Other possible symptoms of cuboid syndrome include:

• redness near the area of injury
• loss of mobility in your ankle or lateral side of the foot
• weakness of your toes on the lateral side of the foot
• tenderness of the lateral side of your foot or your leg
• swelling near the dislocated ligaments or the ankle due to fluid buildup (edema)

Moreover, it may also cause antalgic gait, which happens when you change the way you walk to minimize the pain of cuboid syndrome. An antalgic gait can take the form of limping or swaying from side to side.

What causes Calcaneal Cuboid Syndrome?

• Acute or repeated ankle sprains
• Pes planus foot type (flat feet)
• Inappropriate footwear
• Walking/training on uneven surfaces
• Acute injury
• Tight peroneals

If you suspect that you might be suffering from cuboid syndrome, or you’re experiencing any form of pain or discomfort in your feet, have it check before it becomes acute. One of our podiatrist can assess your condition to determine what treatment options are best suited to get you back on your feet. ✅