Pes Cavus Vs Pes Planus Foot

Overview
There are many different foot types that exist. Those that seem to have a higher arch are said to have a cavus foot type. Another term you may hear this condition called is Pes Cavus. It is important to remember that some people with a high arched foot have no problems at all.

Causes
The most frequent cause of cavus foot in children is a nerve or muscle disease. The condition usually is not present at birth but rather develops slowly during the first 10 years of life. Among cavus foot?s most common causes are Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), Spina bifida, Polio, Muscular dystrophy, Injuries to the nerves in legs or spinal cord, Injuries to the leg muscles, Cavus foot also may be an inherited structural abnormality.

Symptoms
There are many symptoms believed to be related to the cavus foot. These include shoe-fitting problems, lateral ankle instability, lower limb stress fractures, knee pain, iliotibial band friction syndrome, back pain and tripping. Foot pain in people with pes cavus may result from abnormal plantar pressure loading because, structurally, the cavoid foot is regarded as being rigid and non-shock absorbent and having reduced ground contact area. There have previously been reports of an association between excessive plantar pressure and foot pathology in people with pes cavus.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cavus foot includes a review of the patient?s family history. The foot and ankle surgeon examines the foot, looking for a high arch and possible calluses, hammertoes, and claw toes. The foot is tested for muscle strength, and the patient?s walking pattern and coordination are observed. If a neurologic condition appears to be present, the entire limb may be examined. The surgeon may also study the pattern of wear on the patient's adidas running shoes. X-rays are sometimes ordered to further assess the condition. In addition, the surgeon may refer the patient to a neurologist for a complete neurologic evaluation.

Non Surgical Treatment
If a considerable part of the deformity is flexible, a corrective orthosis should be used. For example, in forefoot-driven cavovarus, the hindfoot is flexible, and so an orthotic shoe insert incorporating lateral forefoot posting (support) and recessing under the first metatarsal will allow the hindfoot to correct. For ankle instability, the lateral side of the hindfoot post can be built up as well as the lateral forefoot post, creating a pronatory moment on the forefoot that counteracts the excessive supinatory moment in the hindfoot.

Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be needed. If the patient is a child sometimes the condition can be treated by releasing the tight structures causing the muscle imbalance. In other cases the tendons may need transferred or surgical reconstruction of the joints and bones needed. If the foot has become rigid there may be procedures called calcaneal or metatarsal osteotomies performed to help re-align the foot. These types of procedures are aimed at providing functional control and pain relief, not for cosmetic appearance.