Items filtered by date: July 2022

Cuboid syndrome is a condition that involves a disruption of the normal alignment of the cuboid bone with the heel bone, and it causes pain on the outside of the foot. The pain might feel like it originates from the outside of the ankle, and the person afflicted with it may limp or sway when walking to avoid placing weight on the affected area. Mild swelling or bruising might be seen on the outside and bottom of the mid-foot. This problem develop from a single event, such as an ankle sprain, or through repetitive impact to the area, like runners or dancers (particularly ballet dancers) might experience. A small “popping” might be felt on the outside of the mid-foot as well. Treatment of cuboid syndrome usually involves making sure shoes are well-fitting and comfortable, using soft orthotics, and doing stretching exercises to help mobilize the joint. In some instances, realignment of the cuboid bone is needed. If you feel pain in your mid-foot area and it is worsening, you might have a more severe case of cuboid syndrome. You can see a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment.

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 Gerber Podiatry Clinic. 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 office located in Evanston, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Although it is rarely given much attention, the big toe plays an important role in carrying out many of our daily activities. The big toe joint, also known as the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, connects the big toe to the foot, and supports the body with every step you take. When it is injured or sore, it can impede the ability to walk. Major causes of MTP joint pain are osteoarthritis, gout, bunions, injuries, and sesamoiditis. Osteoarthritis in the big toe causes the joint to become inflamed. The cartilage that connects the bones wears away, causing pain, tenderness, and swelling as the bones rub together. Gout is another form of arthritis, caused by uric acid crystals that often build up within the big toe joint. Intense pain, redness, and swelling are symptoms during a flare up. Big toe sprains and fractures cause pain, swelling, and bruising with any weight bearing activity. In the case of a fracture, please get immediate medical help. A bunion is a bone malformation of the big toe joint, often caused by wearing shoes that are tight around the toes. The top of the big toe moves toward the second toe, while the base of the toe bone shifts outward to form a bump. Bunions can be extremely painful, in addition to changing your gait and causing further problems in the feet. Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of two tiny bones wrapped within tendons at the base of the MTP joint. If you have any of the conditions, please consult a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Gerber Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Evanston, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

There are several reasons why people choose to run. These include losing weight, training for a marathon, or jogging for pure enjoyment. There are different types of shoes for various styles of running, and it is beneficial to choose the type of shoe that fits comfortably, while enhancing the type of running that is desired. There are many factors that can determine what kind of shoes are purchased. These consist of weight, what type of surfaces are run on, and foot structure. Research has shown foot conditions may be avoided when properly fitting running shoes are worn. These include plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and general aches and pains in the foot and arch area. When the right shoes are worn, they are typically comfortable, and feel like they are part of the foot. Many people who enjoy running prefer to shop at a specialty store where they can get advice in matching their foot type to the appropriate shoe. There are different shoes that target a forefoot or heel striker, and it is important to know what type of running is done. If you would like additional information about how to purchase the correct running shoe, please confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Gerber Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Evanston, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A stress fracture in the foot is a small crack or break in a bone. This type of fracture is also known as a hairline fracture. Stress fractures most often happen in weight-bearing bones among people who participate in repetitive activities that put a lot of stress on the feet. They are also due to a sudden change in activities or surfaces, or an abnormal foot structure. Those most at risk for stress fractures are women, those with low levels of vitamin D and calcium, those with osteoporosis, those taking certain medications, and those who have previously sustained foot stress fractures. Stress fractures can occur in any bone of the foot but most often happen to the second and third metatarsal bones – the long bones that connect the toes to the ankle. These are the bones that bear the most stress when pushing off the foot. A stress fracture must heal properly to prevent worse injuries from occurring. Stress fractures of the foot cause pain, which gets worse when walking or bearing weight. The pain may ease when resting and return when activity commences. Stress fractures can be prevented by warming up before participating in activities that put stress on the feet, cross-training rather than focusing on a single sport, wearing properly fitted shoes for the activity, eating a healthy diet (with enough vitamin D and calcium), and checking in with doctors about possible side effects of medicines they are taking. If you feel you have a foot stress fracture, you might see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Gerber Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Evanston, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.