Figure 1 – This foot has a high arch – a ‘cavus’ foot

Figure 2 – These X Rays show the typical deformity of high arched foot (Pes Cavus) with clawing of the toes. A major reconstruction operation is required to ease pain in the ball of the foot, heel and ankle

High Arch (Cavus) Foot | Flat Feet | Foot Swellings | Foot Arthritis | Heel Pain
Mortons Neuroma | Rheumatoid Arthritis

High Arch (Cavus) Foot

Pes cavus is a complex deformity of the foot with very high arch, in-turning of the heel and clawing of the toes. It can be seen associated with a number of neurological or muscular problems such as spina bifida or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. In many other cases there is no underlying cause found.

Symptoms commonly include aching of the ankle due to in-turning with walking and pain under the metatarsal heads and claw toes.

If footwear alteration and orthotic insoles are not sufficient to relieve symptoms then surgery is required. This is extremely complex requiring a combination of a number of procedures. These can include removal of bone from the heel to realign the shape (excision wedge osteotomy); release of the fibrous tissue (plantar fascia), removal of wedges of bone from the middle of the foot or fusion of joints in the foot to reduce the high arch; and procedures to straighten the toes such as tendon transfers, fusions, bone removals and pinning.

The operations are often very lengthy and sometimes need to be done in two stages spaced several weeks or months apart. Treatment will be tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Your consultant will discuss this with you and explain the post operative management and any potential complications.

If both feet are involved it is best to leave between 4 to 6 months between sides. Surgery is usually very successful for improving the shape of the foot and relieving symptoms. There is often some stiffness as a result of the surgery however.