High-Arched (Cavus) Foot

High arched (or cavus) foot is a condition in which the foot has a very high arch. Because of this high arch, an excessive amount of weight is placed on the ball and heel of the foot when standing. Cavus foot can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms, such as pain and instability. It can develop at any age, and can occur in one or both feet.

Symptoms
The arch of a cavus foot will appear high even when standing. In addition, one or more of the following symptoms may be present:

Hammertoes (bent toes) or claw toes (toes clenched like a fist)
Calluses on the ball, side, or heel of the foot
Pain when standing or walking
An unstable foot due to the heel tilting inward, which can lead to ankle sprains

Some people with high-arched feet may also experience foot drop, a weakness of the muscles in the foot and ankle that results in dragging the foot when taking a step. Foot drop is usually a sign of an underlying neurologic condition.

What Causes Cavus Foot?
High-arched foot is often caused by a neurologic disorder or other medical condition such as cerebral palsy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, spina bifida, polio, muscular dystrophy, or stroke. In other cases, the high arch may represent an inherited structural abnormality.

An accurate diagnosis is important because the underlying cause of cavus foot largely determines its future course. If the high arch is due to a neurologic disorder or other medical condition, it will probably worsen without proper treatment. On the other hand, cases of high-arched foot that do not result from neurologic disorders usually do not worsen significantly.

Treatment
Non-surgical treatment of high-arched foot may include one or more of the following options:

Callus care. The specialist often trims the calluses and recommends wearing small pads around the calluses to reduce pressure and pain. Never attempt to trim calluses yourself as this could do more harm than good and possibly result in an infection.
Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices that fit into the shoe can provide stability and cushioning to the foot.
Shoe modifications. High-topped shoes support the ankle, and shoes with heels a little wider on the bottom add stability.
Bracing. The specialist may recommend a brace to help keep the foot and ankle stable. Bracing is also useful in managing foot drop.

When is Surgery Needed?
If non-surgical treatment fails to adequately relieve pain and improve stability, surgery may be needed. Surgery is also considered for cases likely to worsen, even if there is currently no pain or instability. In these instances, the goal of surgery is to help reduce the severity of future problems.

The specialist will choose the best surgical procedure or combination of procedures based on the individual case. In some cases where an underlying neurologic problem exists, surgery may be needed again in the future due to the progression of the disorder.

We Can Help
The podiatrists at Northwest Surgical Specialists are leaders in both conservative and surgical treatment of all nail disorders. For additional information, please contact one of our three convenient locations to arrange a consultation.

Hoffman Estates

Northwest Surgical Specialists
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(View Map)

Foot & Ankle Care
Pain Management
Physical Therapy
Therapeutic Massage
Skin Care
Surgical Care Center

847.885.9525

Elgin

Summit Green Medical Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
(View Map)

Foot & Ankle Care
Physical Therapy

847.697.4500

Mt. Prospect

Metrodocs, S.C.
431 Lakeview Court, Suite D
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
(View Map)

Foot & Ankle Care

847.296.3040