June 2023

The cuboid bone is located on the outside of the foot, and cuboid syndrome can develop if this bone becomes injured or displaced. People who have suffered an ankle sprain may get cuboid syndrome, in addition to athletes who are involved in tennis or basketball. The quick stop and go of the foot while participating in these types of activities may cause the cuboid bone to shift. Cuboid syndrome may also affect ballet dancers who have poor alignment, possibly causing pressure on the foot. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include severe pain, and their gait, or walking pattern may be altered. Treatment can include wearing a specific type of orthotic and performing certain exercises several times throughout the day. Additionally, cuboid syndrome may be treated by manipulating the cuboid bone back into place. If you have foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

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 our podiatrists from Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. 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 one of our offices located in Kirkland, Everett, and Renton, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters on the feet are often a result of the shoes rubbing against the skin. Additionally, friction blisters may also be a result of wearing socks that do not fit correctly. For example, sock blisters can form when harsh materials in the sock interact with the foot. Specifically, wool is a material that may cause blisters to develop. Despite the fact that socks can sometimes cause foot blisters, the right pair of socks can also prevent them from forming. Since sweat on the feet can make the feet more susceptible to developing blisters, it is suggested that moisture-wicking socks are worn that will help keep the feet drier. When it comes to selecting a good pair of socks, it is beneficial to inquire about the quality of the sock. If you are currently living with blisters on your feet, and are looking for effective prevention methods, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for information and treatment. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Kirkland, Everett, and Renton, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Taking the stairs can be a hazard, especially for people who have greater mobility issues, such as seniors and young children. Common foot and ankle injuries from falling down a set of stairs include broken bones, cuts, and lacerations. Stair falls can happen from losing one’s footing or not paying attention. They can also occur if there is a maintenance issue with the stairs. Stair injuries can be prevented by installing banisters to hold onto, fixing loose or broken handrails or stairs, fixing carpeting that is not properly secured, and removing objects or wet conditions that may interfere with safely descending the steps. If you have fallen down a staircase and sustained an injury to your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible to assess the severity of your injuries and obtain treatment.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Kirkland, Everett, and Renton, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The body is full of nerves whose main job is to let us touch and feel, as well as to warn us of dangerous conditions. The peripheral nervous system contains nerves in the lower extremities. When these nerves become damaged, they are unable to signal the toes and feet when something goes wrong. This condition is known as peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are numbness, pain, and weakness. Causes include excessive use of alcohol, certain types of medication, vitamin B12 deficiency, and heredity. Other causes are infections, such as shingles and Lyme disease, as well as tumors and diabetes. Many diabetics develop peripheral neuropathy, which leaves them unable to detect sores and cuts on the feet. If left unattended, a cut or sore may turn into a diabetic foot ulcer that can become gangrenous and endanger the limb itself. Such diabetic neuropathy is the result of maintaining high levels of blood sugar that damage the nerves serving the feet. If you are experiencing any level of neuropathy in the toes, feet, or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Kirkland, Everett, and Renton, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.