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What is the Calcaneocuboid Joint?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

The calcaneocuboid joint is a synovial gliding joint found in the foot. A synovial joint is the most movable type of joint found within the human body. There are cavities between the bones of the joint that are filled with fluid. This synovial fluid helps to lubricate as well as protect the joint from damage, particularly from sudden or harsh movements. The calcaneocuboid joint assists with various types of movement involving the foot.

The location of this joint is between the calcaneus bone, also known as the heel bone, and the cuboid bone. The cuboid bone lies just in front of the heel bone and gets its name from the fact that it appears to have the shape of a cube. Each of these bones has a flat surface, as this is what makes this joint a gliding joint. To be classified as a gliding joint, the joint must connect two flat, bony surfaces.

The calcaneocuboid joint is found in the foot.
The calcaneocuboid joint is found in the foot.

Ligaments are strong bands of fibrous tissue that work to connect one bone to another. There are five different ligaments that work to provide strength and support to the calcaneocuboid joint. These ligaments are called the plantar calcaneocuboid, long plantar, bifurcated, capsular, and dorsal calcaneocuboid ligaments.

Many different types of foot movement are made possible by this joint. Rotating and sliding movements are among the types made possible by this joint. Inversion and eversion, which is the ability to move the foot in a side to side motion, is also made possible by this joint. Moving the foot up and down is also the responsibility of the calcaneocuboid joint.

Foot pain can often be traced to the calcaneocuboid joint.
Foot pain can often be traced to the calcaneocuboid joint.

Foot pain is a common problem and can often be traced to this joint. Physical trauma, such as that occurring from sports injuries, is a common cause of foot pain. Arthritis affecting this joint can also have negative side effects. Treatment depends on the cause of the pain as well as the overall health of the patient.

Pain medications are often prescribed to treat the pain. Medical testing is necessary to determine the reason for the joint pain. If the pain is related to a physical injury, rest, medications, and physical therapy are often prescribed. If arthritis is the cause, the patient will often be referred to a specialist called a rheumatologist to determine the type of arthritis present. Arthritis treatment varies according to type but generally involves oral medications, and in some cases, injections are given to help relieve symptoms.

Discussion Comments

anon355859

Just wanted to comment on live2shops comment: The calcaneocuboid joint is located on the outside of the foot on the opposite side of the arch.

PinkLady4

@live2shop - My sister works for a podiatrist (foot doctor). She said that the most important thing is to wear your orthodics as much as you can and to wear good fitting shoes with a wide toe box.

As far as exercise goes, low impact exercise like swimming and bicycling is the best. But, of course, you have to walk some. Avoid walking on uneven terrain. Start off walking just a short distance and gradually increase the distance. If your feet get sore, ice them when you return home.

live2shop

I never thought too much about having a joint between the heel bone and the bone where your foot arch begins. My feet pronate so I imagine this puts a lot of strain on the calcaneocuboid joint.

This joint seems to move slightly with walking and with every foot movement. It moves a lot when you flex and point your feet.

I have arthritis in the joints on top of my feet. I do wear orthodics, but I'm just wondering how much I should walk. How much walking is helpful to arthritis of the feet?

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    • The calcaneocuboid joint is found in the foot.
      By: michaeljung
      The calcaneocuboid joint is found in the foot.
    • Foot pain can often be traced to the calcaneocuboid joint.
      By: maska82
      Foot pain can often be traced to the calcaneocuboid joint.
    • Pain medication may be required to treat pain associated with the calcaneocuboid joint.
      By: Syda Productions
      Pain medication may be required to treat pain associated with the calcaneocuboid joint.
    • An x-ray can be used to investigate pain in the calcaneocuboid joint.
      By: eAlisa
      An x-ray can be used to investigate pain in the calcaneocuboid joint.