The outside of the foot is generally where pain is felt from cuboid syndrome. This is a foot condition that happens when the small cuboid bone becomes partially dislocated. This can occur suddenly, after an ankle is sprained, or gradually develop from repetitive use. The cuboid bone connects to the heel bone through ligaments and joints. The surrounding soft tissues may be damaged by an injury, and this may trigger the cuboid bone to move out of alignment. Research has shown that cuboid syndrome may be prevalent among people who have flat feet, which may affect the alignment of this bone. Patients can experience symptoms that can include swelling, tenderness, and weakness in the foot. Walking may be difficult, and the pain may become worse when physical activity is pursued. If you have pain in this part of your foot, please consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose cuboid syndrome and offer the treatment that is best for you. 

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 the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The older the foot, the less spring in your step. Because the feet are involved in most of the activities you do throughout your life, they begin to wear out as you age. Natural changes that result from aging are thinning of the skin, joint wear and tear, and decreased muscle strength. Further, the blood or nerve supply to the feet may diminish, and the bones may become more brittle due to osteoporosis, especially in seniors with peripheral artery disease, diabetes, arthritis, or neuropathy. Fat pads in the heels become thinner, which results in heel pain, and joints become less able to withstand impact. Arthritis and wear and tear of the foot are more likely if you have experienced severe foot trauma, overuse from sports or other physical activities, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Arches may drop, causing flattening of the feet, which adds to the likelihood of arch pain. One way that helps to overcome many of these changes is finding footwear that provides ample arch support and cushioning for tired feet. For more information on dealing with increased causes of foot pain as you age, please consult a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A common reason people may break their toe is from stubbing it into a wall or piece of furniture. This can cause the toe to immediately become bruised, swollen, and extremely painful. Dropping a heavy object on the toe may cause it to become fractured, and medical attention is often sought for relief. If the break is severe, a bone may protrude from the skin, often causing the toe to appear deformed. One of the first things to do if a broken toe has happened is to refrain from putting weight on it. This is done by frequently elevating the affected foot and choosing effective treatment methods. Mildly broken toes may benefit from using the buddy-taping method. This is done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, which is often adequate in providing the necessary support as it heals. Severely fractured toes may require a cast or a protective boot to be worn, and a podiatrist can determine which treatment method is best for you.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

The foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis generally begins as occasional heel pain. Many people tend to ignore this until the pain becomes severe. It is a gradual condition that happens when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. This is the band of tissue that connects the toes to the heels and can become irritated or torn for various reasons. These include standing on hard surfaces for a good portion of the day and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, it may happen from overuse during running and jumping activities or from increasing speed and mileage too quickly while running. Patients notice the heel pain may be worse after arising in the morning, but may lessen after walking a few steps. Effective prevention tactics can include properly warming up before exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. Please consult with a podiatrist at the first sign of heel pain from plantar fasciitis for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of the podiatrists  from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.