Cavus Foot Type Biomechanics

Overview
Cavus foot simply means a high arch. There are a number of anatomic variables accompanying a high arch, however, and there are a number of etiologies for those anatomic variables. Thus, the literature on cavus feet is difficult to distill, nonetheless a few valuable principles can be deduced.

Causes
Pes cavus may be hereditary or acquired, and the underlying cause may be neurological, orthopedic or neuromuscular. Pes cavus is sometimes, but not always connected through Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy Type 1 (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) and Friedreich's Ataxia; many other cases of pes cavus are natural.

Symptoms
The arch of a cavus foot will appear high upon standing and one or more of the following signs and symptoms may be 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. Instability to the foot, which can lead to lateral ankle sprains.

Diagnosis
Upon meeting with your podiatrist he or she will likely recommend either an orthotic insert, new shoes for pes cavus, or both. X-Rays may be taken as well to determine the bone structure?s contribution to the ailment.

Non Surgical Treatment
Your podiatrist may use some external devices to stabilize your foot, and provide support for your extra-high arches. These devices may include orthotics (which are prescription shoe inserts specially designed for you, braces (worn outside the foot, these will help keep your foot and ankle stable), and special shoes (usually ones with high tops and wide bases to add stability and support). The podiatrist may also treat secondary symptoms, trimming calluses or suggesting the use of pads to reduce pressure on certain areas of your foot.

Surgical Treatment
Surgery to correct cavus foot may be necessary in situations where the symptoms are likely to get worse over time or when pain and instability cannot be corrected with external orthopedic devices. The main goals of surgery are:
Correcting all the existing deformity of the toes, the high arch, the ankle and the muscle imbalance.
Preserving as much motion as possible.
Rebalancing the deforming muscle forces around the foot and ankle.
Adding stability running to the ankle.
Preventing ankle arthritis from occurring as a result of the chronic deformity of the foot and the instability of the ankle.