Pes Cavus is a morphological condition of the foot in which the arches of the foot are higher than normal. This is the opposite of Pes Planus or flat feet. People with a clinically high arch are unable to flatten their foot even with weight bearing.
Although many people with a high arched foot remain symptom-free, severe deformities can disrupt normal function and mobility. Pain in the heel and the sole (particularly the big toe) is a usual presenting symptom. Tendons of the foot such as the peroneal tendon can also be overworked and tear as a result of the high arches.
What Causes Pes Cavus?
Unlike flatfeet, pes cavus is mostly an acquired condition. There could be an underlying neurological fault or neuropathies such as Marie Tooth Disease, stroke and spinal cord lesions.
The nerve damage causes the muscles of the foot to weaken and become unstable. This eventually leads to the high-arched deformity.
Surgical Correction for Pes Cavus
Cavus feet may be able to benefit from bracing and casts combined with proper physiotherapy, but a good recovery is only possible through surgical correction.
Surgical reconstruction of the muscles and tendons of the feet through a minimally invasive approach is now the treatment of choice.
