Pes Cavus

WHAT IS CAVUS FOOT?

Cavus foot is also known as Pes Cavus. Cavus foot is a foot type that consists of a higher than normal arch. The arch, or instep, runs from the base of the toes to the heel. High arched foot construct lowers the foot’s ability to absorb shock and it leads to an excessive amount of pressure being placed on the ball of the foot and heel. Pes cavus (high arched foot) is the opposite of pes planus (flat foot). Pes cavus (high arched foot) are much less common than flat feet (pes planus).

WHAT ARE SOME CAUSES OF CAVUS FOOT?

There are many causes for pes cavus (High Arch Foot). It may be present as an inherited trait since birth (Genetic) or patient may have an underlying neurological disorder.

Some medical condition which can cause a cavus foot (High Arch Foot) are:

Cerebral palsy
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
spina bifida
Freidereich’s Ataxia
Polio
Muscular dystrophy.

The need for a full work up of the underlying cause is necessary since it determines the treatment plan.

In the absence of neurological, congenital or traumatic causes of pes cavus, the remaining cases are classified as being ‘idiopathic’, since their cause is unknown.

SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH CAVUS FOOT?

Higher than normal foot arch (instep)
Contracture of the toes. (Hammer or claw toes)
Painful callus formation in the ball of the foot
Heel pain and/or pain is the ball of the foot when standing or walking
History of recurrent ankle sprain or feeling that the ankle is unstable
Difficulty fitting in shoes
Muscle weakness

CONSERVATIVE TREATMENTS OF CAVUS FOOT:

Orthotic / shoe insert
Callus care and maintenance
Ankle brace for unstable ankle
Custom bracing (Ankle Foot Orthosis) in cases of neuromuscular disorders

SURGICAL TREATMENTS OF CAVUS FOOT:

Surgical treatment should be considered after a failed conservative management. The operations can be difficult with long recovery time. The surgical plan may consist of a combination of soft tissue and bone work. A complete evaluation and work up will be needed prior to the selection of the surgical plan.

We encourage you to consult with a foot and ankle specialist for a complete assessment of your condition.

Dr. Jones Hormozi at Valley Foot & Ankle Center (VFAC) utilizes state-of-the-art technology, minimally invasive procedures, and advanced techniques to prevent and treat all conditions of the foot and ankle. This allows most patients to walk immediately after most procedures, and they are able to rapidly return to high levels of functioning with excellent outcomes.

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Dr. Jones Hormozi is a Board Certified Podiatrist in Los Angeles. Dr. Hormozi is known for treating sports injuries in patients of all ages. He has treated and operated on professional athletes, semi professional athletes, college athletes and high school athletes. Dr. Hormozi is also Clinical Assistant Professor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Western University of Health Sciences.

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