September 2025

The cuboid bone is an oddly shaped bone in the center of the foot surrounded by other bones. The calcaneocuboid (CC) is the joint between the cuboid and heel bones and plays an important part in movement and stability.  Cuboid Syndrome is a painful condition on the outside of the foot which occurs when the cuboid bone is displaced and no longer aligns with other bones, resulting in a loss of joint congruence. It may become difficult to put weight on the foot, stand, walk, or hop. Causes of cuboid syndrome may include obesity, muscle or tendon impairment, flat feet, or inappropriate footwear. If you wear shoe inserts that are poorly made, train on hard surfaces (or overtrain), you may increase your risk of developing cuboid syndrome. Imaging may not be able to detect the loss of congruence in the joint so a podiatrist will perform an examination and clinical tests to make a diagnosis and devise a treatment plan.

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 Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan 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 Manalapan, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on the foot of a person with diabetes, often caused by poor circulation, nerve damage, or high blood sugar levels. These ulcers can lead to serious infections, if not treated promptly. Proper care includes keeping the wound clean, protecting it from pressure or friction, monitoring for signs of infection, and managing blood sugar levels. Symptoms include redness, swelling, discharge, or persistent pain. A podiatrist can help by evaluating the ulcer, providing specialized wound care, and recommending protective footwear or orthotics. This foot doctor can also develop a treatment plan to promote healing and prevent complications. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Trail running shoes are designed to provide support and protection on uneven and rugged terrain, and selecting the right pair is essential for foot health. Key qualities include appropriate stack height for cushioning, lug length, or how tall or deep the rubber protrusions are on the sole or traction, and proper shoe width to accommodate foot shape. Wearing trail shoes that do not fit correctly or provide adequate support can lead to blisters, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, or other injuries. A podiatrist can help evaluate your foot structure, recommend suitable trail running shoes, and provide guidance on orthotics or preventive strategies to reduce risk of injury. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong type of running shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on proper footwear choices for your running style.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Diabetes affects the body in ways that can make the feet especially vulnerable. Poor circulation slows the ability to heal, which means even a small sore can linger longer than expected. Nerve damage, known as neuropathy, may reduce sensation and make it difficult to notice cuts, blisters, or pressure points. This lack of awareness increases the risk of infections and ulcers developing without early warning signs. Structural changes in the feet may also occur, such as hammertoes or Charcot foot, where weakened bones in the foot fracture and collapse, leading to deformity and instability, adding pressure to certain areas and leading to further breakdown of the skin. Infections can progress quickly if left untreated, and, in severe cases may require hospitalization or even surgery. Regular foot checks, protective footwear, and professional care are essential. If you are living with diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Bunions may appear in several ways, each with its own challenges. Some are mild and cause only slight irritation, while others are moderate and with them, the big toe is pushed inward. Severe bunions can create significant pain and limit daily activities. A bunionette, also known as a tailor’s bunion, forms on the outside of the foot near the little toe. Juvenile bunions often develop in younger people and are usually linked to inherited foot structure. Treatment options vary depending on how advanced the bunion is. Simple changes such as wearing wider shoes, applying padding, or using custom orthotics can relieve pressure. More serious bunions may require surgery to correct the alignment and ease discomfort. If you notice a bunion is starting to affect your comfort or mobility, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can provide the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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