Differential Diagnosis for Cuboid Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Cuboid syndrome: This is a condition where the cuboid bone, one of the bones in the midfoot, becomes misaligned or partially dislocates, leading to pain and discomfort. It is a common cause of lateral foot pain and is often associated with activities that involve repetitive stress on the foot.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Peroneal tendonitis: Inflammation of the peroneal tendons, which run along the lateral side of the foot and ankle, can cause pain in the cuboid area.
- Lateral plantar fasciitis: Irritation of the plantar fascia on the lateral side of the foot can radiate pain to the cuboid region.
- Midfoot sprain: A sprain to the ligaments in the midfoot, including those surrounding the cuboid bone, can cause pain and instability.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Stress fracture: A fracture of the cuboid bone or other bones in the midfoot can cause severe pain and requires prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.
- Infection (osteomyelitis or septic arthritis): Infection of the bone or joint in the foot can cause severe pain, redness, and swelling, and requires urgent medical attention.
- Tumor: Although rare, a tumor in the cuboid bone or surrounding tissues can cause persistent pain and should not be missed.
- Rare diagnoses
- Kohler's disease: A rare condition characterized by avascular necrosis of the navicular bone, which can cause midfoot pain, including in the cuboid area.
- Charcot foot: A condition that occurs in people with diabetes or other conditions that affect nerve function, leading to destruction of the joints and bones in the foot, including the cuboid bone.