Cavus Foot
What is Cavus Foot?
Cavus foot is a condition where the foot presents with an extremely high arch, this causes an excessive amount of weight to be placed on the ball and heel of the foot. The high arch can present on just one foot or both feet.
It can be an uncomfortable and challenging problem for the patient leading to instability and pain when walking or even standing.
Often when standing the middle of the foot can seem raised higher off the ground, with the heel and toes drawn downwards and pointing in towards the midline of the body.
This can cause the foot to almost tip to the outer side, producing the appearance of a higher arch.
What Causes Cavus Foot?
Cavus foot often has a genetic or neurological cause. Some people are born with the condition, whilst others will develop the high arch over time.
There are a number of medical conditions (including Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy) that can cause cavus foot but where no underlying issue can be found, it is often attributed to weakness or lack of co-ordination of muscles in the legs and feet.
What are the Treatment Options for Cavus Foot?
Cavus foot can be treated non-surgically and surgically, but most patients with cavus feet do not require surgery and Mr. Kannegieter will be able to advise you of the right treatment plan for you following your consultation.
Non-Surgical Treatments
There are a few options for treating cavus foot, these include:
- Bracing the foot: this can help to stabilise the foot and ankle and can reduce foot drop.
- Specialist footwear: shoes with greater ankle support or with wider heels can offer greater stability and support walking without falling or further twisting the ankle.
- Specialist orthotics: custom orthotics can cushion the foot and make it more stable when walking. Find out about orthotics at Kann Foot Surgery here.
Surgical Solutions
When conservative treatment fails to help and the cavus foot is causing extreme pain or discomfort then surgery can be carried out to straighten the foot.
If you are suffering from cavus foot and your high arches are causing pain then Mr. Kannegieter will be happy to thoroughly discuss your treatment options with you during a consultation.
