Ballet Dancer Ankle Problem

Physiotherapy in Sarnia for Ankle

Q: What's a "cuboid syndrome?" My daughter is a ballet dancer and off her feet with this problem. What can be done to treat it?

A: The cuboid bone is a small, cube-shaped bone in the foot. It's actually part of the ankle. It connects with the heel bone in the back and the long bones of the last two toes on the outside of the foot.

Cuboid syndrome refers to a painful foot from a disruption of the cuboid bone. This can occur from overuse or injury. The injury is usually a fast, forceful motion of the foot and ankle downward (plantar flexion) and inward (inversion).

Treatment can include using a pad under the cuboid bone or taping the foot and ankle. A chiropractor or physiotherapist trained in joint manipulation can also perform a manipulation called the cuboid whip. This maneuver helps realign the bones and restore full pain free motion.

Reference: Jason Jennings, DPT, SCS, ATC, MTC, CSCS, and George J. Davies, PT, DPT, MEd, SCS, ATC, LAT, CSCS, FAPTA. Treatment of Cuboid Syndrome Secondary to Lateral Ankle Sprains: A Case Series. In Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physiotherapy. July 2005. Vol. 35. No. 7. Pp. 409-415.