What is Cavus Foot?
posted: Aug. 17, 2016.
Cavus foot is the fancy medical name for an overly high arch in your foot. At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle we have found this condition to be challenging for patients to recognize because the symptoms and causes can be so varied.
Signs and Symptoms
A high arch results in excess pressure on the ball and heel of the foot. This can lead to instability and increased incidence of the foot “giving way” and ankle sprains. You may also experience pain when standing or walking and calluses on the heel, ball or side of your foot. In some cases, the abnormal position of the foot will result in toe deformities such as hammertoesor claw toes.
Causes
Cavus foot can occur at any age and develop in just one or both feet. What’s tricky about diagnosing and treating this condition is that it can be caused by many different things and the treatment, in part, will be dictated by the cause. Some causes of cavus foot include:
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Neurologic disorders
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Diseases and medical conditions such as spina bifida, polio, cerebral palsy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, stroke and muscular dystrophy
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Structural defect in the foot which may be genetic
The cause of cavus foot can also be an indicator of whether or not the condition is likely to worsen or remain stable.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Although an overly high arch is visible when the patient is standing, diagnosing this cavus foot is much more complicated. Our board certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss, will want to get a complete family medical history. During his examination he will be looking not only at the arch but also at the rest of the foot for signs of calluses and toe deformities. Muscle strength and coordination of the patient will most likely be tested and x-rays may also be ordered to provide additional information. In some cases, the podiatrist may refer the patient to a neurologist.
Once a diagnosis is confirmed and cause of the cavus foot determined, the foot doctor will determine the proper treatment. Both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options are available and the podiatrist will guide you to the best choice based on the cause and severity of your condition. If you are experiencing pain in your arch, heel or ball of your foot, contact our Waldorf or Clinton office by calling: (301) 868-3899 or (301) 843-9581 today.