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How to Treat Cuboid Syndrome with Physical Therapy

Chris Labbate • March 25, 2025
cuboid syndrome

Cuboid syndrome  is characterized by a sharp pain or twinge on the outer side, and possibly underside, of the foot. When the pain is agonizing, and it seems like all hope is lost, the good news is that manual therapy can help. 


In this article, we'll provide an overview of how a physical therapist can help with cuboid syndrome.


What Is Cuboid Syndrome? 

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), cuboid syndrome is a condition that occurs when the ligaments and joints near your cuboid bone become damaged. The cuboid bone is part of the calcaneocuboid joint that allows you to move your foot. 


A sudden injury, overuse of this joint through prolonged walking or physical activity, and putting too much pressure on it (being overweight) can all cause the cuboid bone to move out of place.


Athletes, ballet dancers, and those who wear high heels are more prone to the condition. It can also occur as a result of ankle sprains and is commonly observed after falling from a height onto the feet.


Essentially, anything that can exert a force to affect the cuboid bone can cause this condition.


Cuboid syndrome can leave a person with pain and difficulty standing or walking. Typically, it causes sufferers to experience a sharp pain on the outer part of their foot that radiates to the toes. Pain may also be felt on the underside of the foot. 


In most cases, the pain worsens when the person stands or walks. Without treatment, the truth is that this problem with the cuboid bone can persist for days and weeks after the initial injury. 


How to Tell Whether You're Suffering from Cuboid Syndrome: Signs and Symptoms to Look Out for


If you notice the following signs and symptoms, you probably have cuboid syndrome: 


  • Sharp pain on the outer side of the foot,
  • More pain when attempting to stand or walk,
  • Being unable to walk or stand at all, and
  • Swelling around the outer side of the foot.


Unfortunately, cuboid syndrome can significantly reduce your quality of life, which is why it is essential to consult a physical therapist who can help you feel better.


Diagnosing Cuboid Syndrome


To determine whether you have cuboid syndrome, a physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes taking a look at your history and asking you questions to learn more about the injury that sparked the pain. 


Then, your physical therapist will help you determine whether the cuboid bone has moved out of place by conducting a series of diagnostic maneuvers, such as the midtarsal adduction and the midtarsal supination test.

 

Suppose more serious issues are suspected. In that case, physical therapists will work closely with doctors to have X-rays and other tests done. 


How a Therapist Will Help: Treatment of Cuboid Syndrome


Although painful, cuboid syndrome responds well to treatment. It usually takes a few weeks for a full recovery once your physical therapy regimen begins. You should also start to feel better after the first or second session. 


During your first visit, a physical therapist will develop a treatment plan that will consist of manual manipulation to reposition the cuboid bone, foot exercises to improve strength, and taping. 


Moreover, your therapist will teach you strengthening activities that you can do at home to promote recovery. 


They may also add stretching exercises to your treatment plan to enhance the flexibility of your foot and reduce tension in the area. In addition, balance and stability exercises can be crucial for preventing future injuries. 


After your physical therapist performs manual manipulation, he or she will also recommend changes to the type of shoes or orthotics you wear to ensure that you are not putting strain on the affected area.


Moreover, physical therapists use dry needling to address pain and issues with movement. 


Until you make a full recovery, your PT specialist will monitor your progress and make changes to your treatment plan as they see fit. When you stick to the treatment plan and follow your therapist's guidelines for footwear and self-care, you can make a full recovery and enjoy a full range of motion in your foot. 


The goal of physical therapy is to: 


  • Put the cuboid bone back into its place. This is often done through manual manipulation. 
  • Reduce pain. Cuboid syndrome can be painful and affect a person's quality of life. Physical therapy aims to reduce pain and other associated symptoms to help sufferers make a full recovery.
  • Improve mobility. Unfortunately, cuboid syndrome can affect your foot's range of motion. A physical therapist will use exercises to help you restore movement in the affected area. 
  • Help you get back on track. If you are an athlete, a foot injury can have a negative impact on your flexibility and endurance. The good news is that a PT specialist will help you regain your strength and return to your sporting activities.


Self-care Tips for Cuboid Syndrome


When you come to our facility for cuboid syndrome treatment, a physical therapist will teach you what to do and what not to do to speed your recovery. In most cases, you will be asked to: 


  • Avoid running, jumping, hopping, and any other activity that could put undue stress on the foot,
  • Apply ice packs to the affected area to treat swelling,
  • Refrain from walking for prolonged periods, but take short walks instead, and
  • Wear flat shoes and orthotics to support the foot.


Preventing Cuboid Syndrome


Prevention is always better than cure. If you want to avoid a repeat injury, be sure to follow your physical therapist's advice. Avoid forceful stomping on hard surfaces, as this could cause the cuboid bone to move out of place.


Moreover, be sure to stretch your muscles after physical activity. Wearing proper footwear that provides adequate support can also help you prevent injuries. High heels should be avoided, as they increase the risk of injury. 


Additionally, making certain lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, can also work to prevent a recurrence. And, if you do end up getting hurt again, you can always get a physical therapist's help for foot pain.


Need Foot Pain Relief? ProTouch Physical Therapy Is Here to Help!


If you're struggling with cuboid syndrome, don't lose hope. Physical therapy can provide the relief you are looking for. 


When you turn to ProTouch Physical Therapy, you can rest assured that we will do whatever it takes to get you well and on your feet again. Our physical therapists work closely with our patients to develop tailored treatment plans that meet their needs.


To learn more or schedule a session with a PT specialist, contact us today at (908) 325-6556!

By Chris Labbate February 16, 2025
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, shoulder impingement syndrome occurs because of repetitive or chronic compression of the rotator-cuff tendons in the shoulder, which can lead to pain and movement problems. Sometimes, impingement syndrome can be directly caused by an injury to the shoulder itself. Who is most at risk for developing a shoulder impingement? Primarily, it happens more in athletes who do repeated overhead arm movements. Likewise, people who perform repetitive tasks could suffer the worst. Similarly, poor posture might contribute to its development. If it's not treated correctly, a shoulder impingement might lead to more serious problems, including a rotator-cuff tear. Typically, a physical therapist can help decrease pain. However, they also provide exercises to improve the physical condition of people with shoulder impingement. Likewise, a physical therapist offers assistance to help improve shoulder motion and strength in people who are suffering. Though this problem occurs as the result of repetitive compression in the bony acromion and the rotator cuff, there are things you can do to protect yourself. Let's learn more in this comprehensive guide. What Is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome? Generally, shoulder impingement syndrome is a condition that develops whenever the rotator-cuff tendons in the shoulder are injured or overused. This leads to movement impairments and pain. Sometimes, shoulder impingement syndrome may also be called "subacromial impingement syndrome" because the bursa, ligaments, and tendons underneath the acromion become compressed or pinched. Primarily, the shoulder is made up of three bones: the clavicle, the scapula, and the humerus. The acromion is the bony prominence atop the scapula, which is often considered a bump at the tip of the shoulder. Your bursa and rotator-cuff tendon sit under the acromion. Overall, your bursa is the fluid-filled sac that offers a cushion between the other parts, so it can easily get compressed and cause pain. In a sense, the cushion between the bony acromion can dissipate, especially when there is compression. Impingement symptoms can then occur, which harms the tendons as they deal with microtrauma. There are many causes of shoulder impingement syndrome, which include: Tightness in the soft tissue around your shoulder joint (joint capsule) Thickening of the shoulder ligaments Thickening of the bursa Poor shoulder blade and rotator-cuff strength Osteoarthritis in the shoulder area Bony abnormalities in the acromion Injury where the shoulder is compressed Repetitive overhead movements (golfing, racquetball, swimming, throwing sports, and more) How Does a Shoulder Impingement Feel? Those with a shoulder impingement might experience: Pain with dynamic movement patterns or throwing motions Discomfort or pain when sleeping on that side Pain in the shoulder when moving the arm beside the body, out to the side, or overhead Restriction in shoulder motion, making it harder to move the arm out to the side, behind the body, or overhead How Is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Diagnosed? Typically, a physical therapist will perform an exam and ask questions about your symptoms and pain. They might also complete motion and strength tests on the shoulder, evaluate your posture , determine your hobbies and job duties, and check for weaknesses or imbalances within the muscles. Special testing might be required for diagnosis and treatment, though they will discuss these with you. For example, some physical therapists use dry needling, while others focus on manual therapy and exercise. How Might a Physical Therapist Help You? Overall, it is crucial to get proper treatment for shoulder impingement. Do this as soon as it occurs. If you don't, secondary conditions can result, such as tears, rotator-cuff tendinitis, and irritation of the bursa. Physical therapy for shoulder pain can be successful when treating this condition. The physical therapist will design a program to help you. It will be specific to your condition and goals. Because shoulder impingement syndrome can have different issues relating to it, a professional must devise a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. Your treatment program may include these options: Manual Therapy Typically, the physical therapist may use manual techniques, including shoulder stretches, soft-tissue massages, and gentle joint movements. While these can cause pain, they will help you improve later on. Traditionally, a physical exam is required before any physical therapy treatment is done. This will determine your specific issues and help the team focus on the right plan. Shoulder Pain Management The physical therapist will help you avoid any painful movements and identify them. Plus, they can correct poor posture to reduce compression. One physical therapy modality is iontophoresis, which is a medication that's delivered through a special patch. Another option is ultrasound therapy. Ice is often used to reduce pain after exercising the area. Strengthening Exercise Options In most cases, physical therapy requires the professional to find out which strengthening exercises are right for your needs. Often, when you're dealing with shoulder impingement syndrome, the humerus head drifts upward and forward because the rotator-cuff muscles are weak. Strengthening them with an appropriate exercise routine will ease the pain. Sometimes, therapists will have you perform resistance exercise routines to strengthen the muscles. This can also reduce rotator-cuff pain. Building strength in people with shoulder impingements is often the first step. You will likely get a home exercise routine to continue doing after physical therapy has ended. Range-of-motion Exercise Generally, you will learn about exercise and stretch options that will improve your range of motion in the shoulder blade, allowing it to move properly. These exercises may include stretches, shoulder blade squeezes, and arm rotations. It's all part of the physical therapy treatment plan. Functional Training The goal of physical therapy is to improve your symptoms. This will happen in time, but you'll have to learn how to perform different functions using proper shoulder mechanics. Those include throwing balls and lifting objects overhead. Your physical therapist will teach you how to do those things. In fact, the training is designed to ensure you can perform routine functions at home, on the job, and when playing sports without pain. Likewise, your therapist may teach specific things that relate to your job or requirements. Patient Education One part of physical therapy and rehabilitation is to learn proper posture. Your physical therapist will work with you to prevent your shoulders from rolling forward while working on a computer. Similarly, your physical therapist will also suggest various adjustments you can make to your work habits and workspace if needed. Ultimately, the first step is to improve your range of motion. Then, the physical therapist will educate you on the best ways to do your work each day. Can Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Be Prevented? Yes, shoulder impingement syndrome can be prevented by: Not using forward-head and rounded-shoulder postures when sitting at a computer/desk for long periods Maintaining the right shoulder alignment and posture when throwing or reaching for something Regularly performing exercise routines that stretch and strengthen the middle back, neck, and shoulders Where to Get Physical Therapy for Shoulder Impingement As you've learned, physical therapy often includes exercises to help improve your range of motion and build strength. If you have a shoulder impingement, it's crucial to work with a therapist who understands your issue. Book an appointment with ProTouch Physical Therapy today to begin developing a treatment plan that will help.
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Whether you are recuperating from a spinal procedure or a spine/back injury , physical therapy can help with recovery. You'll reduce the risk of more damage to the body, speed up the healing process, and stay on the right track. At ProTouch Physical Therapy , we will help you create the ideal treatment plan for back, spine, and neck pain . This often includes a range of therapeutic exercise options. Here's what to know from our experts. Why PT Is an Important Part of Spine Care If your physician or treatment care team has recommended physical therapy, you may wonder what the process includes. It can be daunting, but most patients find that they enjoy PT and appreciate the guidance during recovery. For back and spine issues, therapy is often used in these ways: Post-procedure recovery Treatment of the injury Prevention After sustaining a spinal or back injury, your physical therapist will use a modality, such as ultrasound or electoral stimulation, to reduce pain. Such treatment methods can help, but we also focus on the source of the discomfort and provide educational materials to ensure you can manage your condition on your own. Typically, we begin the PT process with an assessment of your condition, recovery goals, activities, lifestyle, and history. This helps us guide you through everything and ensures you resume what you did before the issue arose. Following our evaluation, the therapy sessions begin. What can you expect during this process? Generally, we focus on hands-on manual therapy to help mobilize restricted joints and tissues or release tension in certain areas. Your therapist will start teaching you about targeted exercises you can do on your own after manually working on a particular area. Overall, we focus on strengthening exercises, stretching, and more. Ultimately, physical therapy focuses on returning you to your normal daily activities. We want you to reach your mobility goals with less pain and more flexibility and strength. Having objectives in place will often help patients go back to doing what they did before the injury and reduce the risk of further damage in the future. Benefits of Physical Therapy for the Spine and Back Muscles There are many advantages of seeking physical therapy for spine and back pain . These include:
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