Cuboid syndrome causes pain along the outer portion and bottom of the mid-foot, making walking uncomfortable. It develops when the cuboid bone becomes irritated or slightly out of alignment. Common causes of cuboid syndrome include ankle sprains that shift pressure through the foot, repetitive stress from sports or prolonged walking, and uneven surfaces that strain the mid-foot. Abnormal foot mechanics may also contribute by altering how weight is transferred during each step. Symptoms include aching pain, sharp discomfort during push-off, and tenderness beneath the mid-foot. A podiatrist can perform a thorough exam to evaluate joint position, foot structure, and walking patterns to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment focuses on restoring proper alignment, reducing strain on surrounding tissues, and improving overall foot function. If you feel pain under the mid-foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and 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 Gerald Erskine, DPM from Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor 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 Ronceverte, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in one of the bones of the foot caused by repeated pressure or impact over time. Common causes include overuse, repetitive high impact movements such as running or jumping, sudden changes in activity levels, or abnormal foot structure that places extra stress on certain bones. Risk factors include low levels of vitamin D and calcium, a history of previous stress fractures, and participating in sports or activities that strain the feet. Symptoms may include localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose a stress fracture using imaging, provide treatment plans to allow proper healing, recommend protective footwear or orthotics, and guide safe return to activity. If you have signs of a stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert care and recovery guidance.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Gerald Erskine, DPM from Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Color changes in the feet, such as redness, blue tones, or pale patches, can be an early indicator of autonomic involvement in systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disorder. Systemic sclerosis affects blood flow by tightening blood vessels and altering circulation, which can cause noticeable color shifts in response to temperature or stress. Feet may appear blue due to reduced oxygen, red with increased blood flow, or pale when circulation is restricted. These color changes may also come with symptoms like numbness, tingling, or sensitivity to cold, signaling an underlying problem with the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions, including blood vessel dilation. If you have this condition and it affects your feet, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist to manage symptoms and prevent complications. These foot specialists can assess circulation, suggest protective strategies for temperature changes, and work with other specialists to ensure proper blood flow and nerve function, ultimately helping to maintain foot health.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Gerald Erskine, DPM of Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Morton’s Neuroma—otherwise known as Morton’s metatarsalgia, Morton’s disease and Morton’s neuralgia, is a swollen, non-cancerous growth of nerve tissue that usually clusters between the third and fourth toes. This can cause a good deal of pain, particularly in the ball of the foot. Other symptoms include a burning, tingling, or numbness in the toes, pain while curling the toes, and the sensation of having a pebble in the bottom of your shoe by the ball of the foot. Possible causes of this ailment may consist of wearing high heels regularly and participating in certain sporting activities for extended periods of time. If you are experiencing this kind of pain in the ball of your foot, a podiatrist can examine you and run a series of tests to determine your nerve response and foot function. Treatment methods range from orthotics to injection therapies, and in severe cases surgery may be necessary. It is suggested that you visit a podiatrist as soon as possible if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Gerald Erskine, DPM of Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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