People who experience pain on the outside of the foot may have cuboid syndrome. This foot condition can follow an ankle sprain and may be difficult to diagnose. It can be common among ballet dancers and can result due to the style of dance they perform. The cuboid bone is one of seven tarsal bones and lies beneath the fourth and fifth toes. If this becomes moved from gradual overuse or an injury, it may become inflamed, referred to as cuboid syndrome. Additional causes of developing cuboid syndrome can include training on uneven surfaces, lack of adequate support from wearing the wrong shoes, or possibly excessive pronation. Some people have intermittent pain and there can be tenderness along the outside of the foot which may be similar to having an ankle injury. There are various treatment options for this condition and it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment for you.

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 Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. 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 Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

One of the symptoms of poor circulation is having cold feet. Additional symptoms include swelling, chronic pain, difficulty moving the feet. Many people feel a tingling or numbing sensation in their feet, which may make their feet feel heavy. The common reasons poor circulation may be prevalent among seniors include having diabetes, being overweight, smoking, and living a sedentary lifestyle. There also may be existing medical conditions that contribute to having poor circulation. Among them are having peripheral artery disease (PAD), atherosclerosis, or a venous insufficiency. Circulation can be improved by making lifestyle changes. It is beneficial to incorporate a simple exercise routine daily, and it is important to consume a healthy diet. Some patients find relief when they elevate their feet, and it may help to wear compression stockings. If you would like more information about the causes and remedies of poor circulation in the feet, please confer with a podiatrist. 

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness 
• Numbness or cramping in the legs
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Although having smelly feet is not always necessarily cause for serious concern, bad-smelling feet can be bothersome. If your child is complaining about their feet producing a foul odor, there are several things that you need to be aware of. The odor that is being emitted from your child’s feet is caused by bacteria. After your child spends a whole day sweating in a pair of sneakers, for instance, that sweat facilitates the multiplication of bacteria. If your child is not wearing socks, typically this only exacerbates the extent to which the bacteria can grow in your child’s shoes. In certain cases, your child’s shoes might even be home to a type of bacteria named Kyetococcus sedentarius. This bacteria can produce especially foul odors because they release volatile sulfur compounds. If you are concerned about your child’s smelly feet, be sure that they wash their feet and wear a new, clean pair of socks every day and alternate shoes regularly, especially if they get wet or sweaty. See a podiatrist for more ways in which you can protect the health of your child’s feet.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Toenail fungus can be an extremely unattractive and unsightly condition that negatively affects the toenails. Typically, toenail fungus will make the nail brittle or stiff. It can also manipulate the color of the nail, making it brownish or yellowish. Some individuals struggling with toenail fungus may be curious as to whether or not they are able to wear toenail polish to cover up the fungal infection. If an individual has an important event coming up, for example, they might want to hide the unsightly infection with a pop of color from a nail polish. However, there are several things to keep in mind about toenail polish and toenail fungal infections. Using non-medicated toenail polish potentially may be problematic. This is because non-medicated polish, or cosmetic nail polish, might help the fungus thrive and eventually spread. Medicated polish, on the other hand, is specifically meant to inhibit the growth of the fungus. Sometimes, these medicated nail polishes will have antifungal ingredients. A potential downside to relying solely on medicated toenail polish, however, is that it might take a long time to cure the fungal infection. To learn more about treating your fungal infection and the uses of medicated nail polish, contact your podiatrist. 

For more information about treatment, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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