London Osteopath and Sports Massage » mid foot pain

Cuboid Dislocation

Pete — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:18:53 +0000

The cuboid is a cube shaped bone on the outside, underside of the foot several centimetres from the heel. This bone can sometimes drop out of place towards the floor. This condition is more likely to occur when an ankle inversion strain has occurred (going over on ankle where foot rolls inwards). This uncommon injury occurs when the foot rolls forcibly inward.

Symptoms

Pain in weight bearing especially when putting weight on outside of the foot

What we can do

Manipulate to put the bone back in place

Peroneal tendiniitis (strain)

Pete — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:47:15 +0000

The peroneal muscles run from the outside of the shin and attach to the outside border of the foot. The muscles pull up the outside border of the foot (eversion) and point the foot (plantar flex). These muscles can get very tight in runners. The condition may occur due to trauma – either a direct impact or an inversion sprain (going over on ankle where foot rolls inwards).

Symptoms

Pain and swelling around the outside of the ankle and outside border of the foot
Pain aggravated by running and walking
Pain aggravated when foot rolled inwards
Subluxing tendon – tendon may snap over lateral malleolus when foot is dorsiflexed and everted (bought up towards shin and rolled inwards)
Swelling and small bruise below lateral malleolus

What you can do

Rest
Ice therapy
Stretch muscle

What we can do

Special test to confirm diagnosis
Friction deep tissue massage to area of pain to accelerate healing
Massage to reduce tension in peroneal muscles
Improve foot mechanics
Improve mechanics of leg and hip to reduce stress on peroneal muscle

Metatarsal Stress Fractures

Pete — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:04:26 +0000

Stress fractures can occur in the foot due to repetitive strain. This can affect a variety of bones in the foot. It is most common in the 2nd metatarsal. This injury is most common with:

Individuals involved in high impact sports (running, jumping and dancing) – especially when inadequate footwear is worn
Runners who rapidly increase training levels – onset maybe 3 weeks after increasing training levels
Individuals who walk excessively
Individuals with an eating disorder
Individuals who have rapidly gained weight
Individuals who have changed their footwear

Symptoms

Gradual onset of pain that is usually deep and nagging in character
Pain aggravated by weight bearing
Pain may occur at night
Swelling possible

What you can do

Rest and modification of training. It may be necessary to use crutches and avoid weight bearing on the affected foot for up to 8 weeks.
Lose weight
Review footwear

What we can do

Perform tests to confirm diagnosis
Improve mechanics of foot to improve shock absorbing capability and therefore reduce stress on foot
Improve mechanics of leg and hip to take the strain of the foot

Further treatment options

Referral for MRI or x-ray

Referral for MRI or x-ray

Extensor tendinitis

Pete — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:50:21 +0000

The extensor muscles are responsible for pulling the foot up towards the shin and pulling the toes up and back. The muscles run from the outside front of the shin over the top of the foot towards the toenails. Various factors can overload these tendons leading to inflammation ‘tendinitis’ including:

Overtraining
Hill running
Footwear that fits badly or laces that are tied too tightly

Symptoms

Pain and swelling on the top of the foot
Pain aggravated by walking and running
Pain aggravated by stretching top of foot

What you can do

Rest until pain resolves
Ice therapy
Loosen laces
Place padding in shoe underneath laces
Change footwear

What we can do

Direct massage to top of foot to reduce inflammation and promote healing in tendons
Reduce tension in extensor muscles
Improve foot mechanics to reduce stress on problem area