Lateral Column Overload
Lateral column overload is a condition describing pain due to excessive weight running through the lateral column onto the outer part of the midfoot.
This kind of pain is often associated with a high arched foot or a very flat foot. These conditions increase the force through the lateral column which is comprised of the calcaneus, the cuboid and the fourth and fifth metatarsals, as well as their respective joints – the calcaneocuboid, the cuboidometatarsal and the intermetatarsal joints.
Causes
There are lots of cases which may lead you to acquire a lateral column overload. It may be due to arthritis, biomechanical abnormalities, acute fractures from trauma, or stress fractures from chronic overuse.
An ankle sprain, often in which there is an inversion injury, is one of the common reasons why a patient may acquire a lateral column pain. There are also instances where a pain in the lateral column originates from a tarsal coalition, peroneal tendonitis or subluxation, extensor digitorum brevis tendonitis, plantarflexion and inversion Ankle Injury, cuboid subluxation and iatrogenic causes following surgery.
Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
The pain and stiffness you feel in your feet and ankles as you age could be arthritis. If left untreated, this nagging pain can get worse over time, eventually making it difficult to walk even short distances.
Stress Fracture
A stress fracture is a small crack or severe bruising within a bone and is mostly caused by overuse and repetitive activities.
Symptoms
A patient with a lateral column pain will complain of acute or chronic pain in the area of the calcaneocuboid joint or the bases of the fourth and/or fifth metatarsal. The pain is usually greater with propulsion but may also be present during stance or non-weight bearing. Palpation should isolate the specific area of pain.
Tenderness may also be present along the peroneal tendons or the origin of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle. A lateral column pain is also often associated with foot deformities, such as flat foot or high arched foot.
Changes in Arch of Foot
Some conditions may cause an arch to collapse into a fallen arch or tighten into a high arch.
Deformities In The Affected Area
Foot deformities are a group of congenital and acquired conditions involving structural abnormalities that may affect the bones, tendons, and muscles of your foot.
Pain On The Side Of The Foot
While pain may be felt on the inner side of the foot (medial foot pain), pain on the outer side (lateral foot pain) is more common.
Potential Treatments
Typically, your lateral column overload can be diagnosed using a physical exam. Radiographs such as x-rays are not generally used since they reveal little else and often come back negative.
Although the treatment for this condition is usually non-operative, it requires a specialized design to minimize the force that is going through the outer part of your midfoot, without causing other complications. Therefore, it is better to seek guidance from a trusted medical team. Contact a doctor for more information regarding your condition.
Regenerative Medicine Treatments
Regenerative medicine involves the delivery of growth factors to injured joints and tissues to promote the healing process.
