Pes Cavus Treatment Prevention

Overview
Cavus foot pain can be a difficult and challenging problem. It is far less common to see a high arch patient with foot pain than a low arch patient with foot pain. As a result, high arch feet are less commonly treated or may be less understood than the common flatfoot.

Causes
Most cases of high arches are associated with nervous-system disorders. The conditions that can cause high arches include Cerebral palsy, Spina bifida, Muscular dystrophy, Polio, Stroke, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Spinal cord tumor. The cause of high arches cannot be determined in about one in five instances. These cases are called idiopathic, meaning the condition arises from an unknown or uncertain cause.

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
Diagnosing the cause of the cavus foot position is essential prior to surgical planning. Usually, performing a laterally based calcaneal osteotomy and a distally based metatarsal osteotomy together or each procedure alone can help position the foot properly.

Non Surgical Treatment
Depending on the severity and presence of debilitation, non-surgical and surgical treatment options are extensively reviewed by your Weil foot and ankle physician. Non-surgical treatment options we provide include, but are not limited to: shoe gear modifications, bracing and/or strappings, custom-molded arch supports; all of which assist in positioning the foot properly and provide improved shock absorption.

Surgical Treatment
In severe cases of cavus, surgical intervention is often necessary. The main consideration for surgical planning is the cause of the cavus deformity. Consider whether it is a structural deformity or one caused by an underlying traumatic event such as a peroneal tendon tear or ankle instability. Furthermore, in either a structural or traumatic case, it is important to consider if the cavus is from a plantarflexed first ray only, a calcaneal varus only or a combination of the two deformities together. After considering all the information, one can plan for surgery.