Cuboid Syndrome

The cuboid is an important bone in foot biomechanics. It is important as it is a pulley for the peroneus longus tendon as it passes around the plantar surface to move towards it insertion on the plantar medial side of the midfoot. When the peroneus longus muscle contracts, a tremendous force is applied to the cuboid bone and the joints around it. For the bone to act as a pulley, it has to be stable. If it is not stable, then the tendon will move the bone and strain the joints, resulting in what has become known as cuboid syndrome. The symptoms of cuboid syndrome usually start off as an ache on the lateral midfoot that gets progressively worse. The key treatment for cuboid syndrome is to find a way to stablise the cuboid bone. This usually involved the use of strapping and foot orthotics. Often because of the cuboid subluxatiuon, a cuboid manipulation is often very helpful. The cuboid manipulation or cuboid mobilisation should really only be done by those who are experienced in its use. Other physical therapy techniques are also helpful for cuboid syndrome.