Cavus Foot (High-Arched Foot)
Cavus foot, also known as a high arched foot, is a condition in which the foot has an excessively high arch. This type of foot architecture places a greater amount of pressure in contact with the ground due to reduced area of contact. Cavus foot can lead to a variety of symptoms such as pain and instability. Patients can develop high arched feet at any age.
Cause:
Cavus foot is commonly caused by neurological disorders, or other medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, spina bifida, polio, muscular dystrophy, or stroke. The high arched foot caused by these diseases usually have a worsening nature. Some patients may present with a high arched foot at birth due to inherited structural abnormalities. These usually do not worsen through life. Injury to specific structures such as tendons can also lead to development of a high arched foot, due to imbalance of forces from different tendons.
Symptoms:
Aside from the visually obvious high arch of the foot, the following symptoms may present:
Diagnosis:
A careful history of the patient, with particular focus on family history is important. A thorough examination of the foot, with biomechanical examination including gait assessment is helpful. Also, noting the associated deformities from this foot type is vital. For assessment of the bone structure of the foot and ankle, X-rays of the foot can be taken. If complex neurological deficit is suspected, a patient can obtain a neurological exam by a neurologist.
Treatments:
Conservative treatments of a cavus foot includes the following options:
Cavus Foot (High-Arched Foot)
Cavus foot, also known as a high arched foot, is a condition in which the foot has an excessively high arch. This type of foot architecture places a greater amount of pressure in contact with the ground due to reduced area of contact. Cavus foot can lead to a variety of symptoms such as pain and instability. Patients can develop high arched feet at any age.
Cause:
Cavus foot is commonly caused by neurological disorders, or other medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, spina bifida, polio, muscular dystrophy, or stroke. The high arched foot caused by these diseases usually have a worsening nature. Some patients may present with a high arched foot at birth due to inherited structural abnormalities. These usually do not worsen through life. Injury to specific structures such as tendons can also lead to development of a high arched foot, due to imbalance of forces from different tendons.
Symptoms:
Aside from the visually obvious high arch of the foot, the following symptoms may present:
- Hammertoes (bent toes) or claw toes (toes clenched like a fist)
- Calluses on the ball, side, or heel of the foot
- Pain when standing or walking
- An unstable foot due to the heel tilting inward, which can lead to frequent ankle sprains
Diagnosis:
A careful history of the patient, with particular focus on family history is important. A thorough examination of the foot, with biomechanical examination including gait assessment is helpful. Also, noting the associated deformities from this foot type is vital. For assessment of the bone structure of the foot and ankle, X-rays of the foot can be taken. If complex neurological deficit is suspected, a patient can obtain a neurological exam by a neurologist.
Treatments:
Conservative treatments of a cavus foot includes the following options:
- Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices that fit into the shoe can be beneficial because they provide stability and cushioning to the foot.
- Shoe modifications. High-topped shoes support the ankle, and shoes with heels that are a little wider on the bottom add stability.
- Bracing. The surgeon may recommend a brace to keep the foot and ankle stable. Bracing is also useful in managing foot drop.
- Physical therapy. Work on muscle strengthening and balance of the foot and ankle.