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Calcaneocuboid Arthritis

Calcaneocuboid arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis which affects the calcaneocuboid joint, that is located between the cuboid bone and the heel bone. Located on the outside of the foot, in front of the heel bone, the cuboid bone is characterised by its cube shape. The joint is integral to several types of foot movement.

Causes

Although there is no recognised direct cause of osteoarthritis, pain in the calcaneocuboid joint is known to be caused by abnormal biomechanical stresses, which can occur during physical exercise or through repetitive motion. Previous injury or fracture into this joint can also cause arthritis here.

Symptoms

The symptoms of calcaneocuboid arthritis can include; pain when standing up after lying down or sitting down for an extended period; pain on the outside of the foot; and a marked increase in pain when walking in bare feet.

Foot-diagram-from-side-1

Treatment

There is a range of orthotics solutions which can help to address the symptoms of calcaneocuboid arthritis. These include a number of insoles which help transfer the pressure of body weight to the medial column from the lateral column, and also limit the calcaneocuboid joint’s motion. Insoles can serve to control how the foot moves from side to side, which occurs when walking. For those with severe pain, a controlled ankle motion (CAM) walking boot can be used.

There are anti-inflammatory painkillers which can be used to address pain from calcaneocuboid arthritis, including; ibuprofen and naproxen. Always check with your GP if taking these medications are safe for you first. Steroid injections can also be given and often have a dramatic pain-reducing effect. This effect is temporary though. Often the first injection lasts the longest and after about 3 the effects can be very short-lived.

In cases where surgery is required, the calcaneocuboid joint can be fused together. The procedure, which is typically carried out under a general anaesthetic, involves the surgeon making in an incision at the outside of the foot, in order to access the subtalar joint, allowing surfaces to be cleared and sometimes reshaped, correcting any deformities, and in some cases adding extra bone in order to enhance the correction and speed up healing. You can expect to remain in the hospital for one night following a calcaneocuboid joint fusion.

As with all surgical procedures, there is some degree of risk, including wound infection, numbness to the outside of the foot and non-union.

Following the operation, you can expect to be non-weight bearing for 6 weeks in a cast and weight-bearing for another 6 weeks in a boot.

As with all foot surgery, it is common for swelling to persist for some months after surgery and is completely normal. This swelling will eventually completely subside with time and can take up to 12 months but often goes well before this.

Ankle pain can be distressing, especially if you're not sure what options are open to you. If you're wondering if surgery could help you, book an appointment.

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Hear what our patients have to say

Mr Ajis is a great surgeon, he listens to any concern you may have and explains what is going to happen also gives great care... He suggested a fairly new procedure that wasn't available on the NHS but he pushed me through and he and his team have worked wonders, I am now healing very well and pain-free in my ankle after 6 years!

Written by a patient at BMI Goring Hall Hospital

Mr Ajis was very informative and reassuring about my surgery. He was professional at all times and allowed time for me to have all my questions answered without feeling rushed.

Written by a patient at BMI Goring Hall Hospital

I saw Mr Ajis after sustaining a fracture of my 5th metatarsal which had not healed after a year. The pain was unbearable. He saw me promptly and took the time to explain my condition with the help of x-ray images with assurances that he could fix the problem. I was advised by other clinicians to be patient and wait for the fracture to heal on its own. Mr Ajis said that healing would be highly unlikely without intervention. After numerous emails and 'phone calls to him he constantly...

...spent the time reassuring me and patiently going over the intended procedure. To date after seeking advice and guidance from Mr Ajis, his secretary and the Physio Team and the insertion of a plate my fracture has united I walk well, without pain and I have joined a walking group.