Cavus Foot

The causes of cavus foot can be diverse and include:

• Genetic Development: Cavus foot can be a hereditary characteristic, where genetic predisposition for having a high arch is inherited.
• Neuromuscular Conditions: Neuromuscular diseases, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, can affect foot shape and lead to cavus foot development.
• Injuries: Trauma or injuries to feet or ankles can alter normal foot structure and result in a high arch.
• Biomechanical Misalignment: Alignment problems or dysfunction of muscles and tendons that support the foot arch can contribute to cavus foot development.
• Joint Conditions: Certain joint conditions, such as arthritis, can influence foot structure and lead to cavus foot.

Symptoms of cavus foot can vary but generally include:

• Pain: Discomfort or pain in the bottom of the foot, especially in the arch region and base of toes.
• Instability: Sensation of instability or imbalance when walking or standing, due to uneven weight distribution.
• Fatigue: Tiredness in legs and feet after physical activities, due to additional effort needed to support the high arch structure.
• Calluses and Injuries: Formation of calluses and ulcers at high pressure points, due to unusual friction and pressure.

To diagnose cavus foot, doctors use:

• Physical examination: Assessment of foot posture, gait, and pain. The doctor will examine the foot arch and observe weight distribution.
• Imaging Tests: Weight-bearing X-rays are frequently used to visualize foot bone structure and confirm degree of arch elevation. In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to evaluate soft tissues and tendons.

Treatment of cavus foot can vary depending on symptom severity and underlying cause:

• Conservative: Includes use of orthopedic insoles or customized arch supports to redistribute weight and improve alignment. Appropriate footwear is crucial to provide support and reduce discomfort.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles around the ankle and improve tendon flexibility can help relieve pain and improve foot function.
• Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to control pain and inflammation.
• Activity modification: Adjusting or avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms can help reduce discomfort and prevent complications.
• Surgery: In severe cases or when conservative treatment is not effective, surgery may be considered to correct foot structure and relieve symptoms.

Some preventive measures include:

• Use of appropriate footwear: Choose footwear with good support and cushioning to reduce impact and pressure on the foot.
• Strengthening and stretching: Perform regular exercises to strengthen foot muscles and improve flexibility.
• Medical monitoring: Monitor foot development and seek medical guidance if pain or discomfort symptoms arise.