Matthew D. Neuhaus, DPM
300 Stonecrest Blvd. Suite 350
Smyrna, TN 37167
(615) 220-8788
Located on the 3rd Floor of the Physician Office Building at StoneCrest Medical Center

What is Cavus Foot?

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.

What are Signs and Symptoms of Cavus Foot?

The arch of a cavus foot will appear high even when standing. In addition, one or more of the following signs and 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 cavus foot 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 neurological condition.

What Causes Cavus Foot?

Cavus foot is often caused by a neurological disorder or other medical condition; for example, cerebral palsy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, spina bifida, polio, muscular dystrophy, or stroke. In other cases of cavus foot, 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 neurological disorder or other medical condition, it will probably worsen. On the other hand, cases of cavus foot that do not result from neurological disorders usually do not change in appearance.

How is Cavus Foot Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of cavus foot includes a review of the patient's family history. Dr. Neuhaus examines the foot, looking for a high arch and possible calluses, hammertoes, and claw toes. The foot is tested for muscle strength, and the patient's walking pattern and coordination are observed. If a neurological condition appears to be present, the entire limb may be examined. Dr. Neuhaus may also study the pattern of wear on the patient's shoes. X-rays are sometimes ordered to further assess the condition. In addition, Dr. Neuhaus may refer the patient to a neurologist for a complete neurological evaluation.

What is the Recommended Treatment Approach?

Non-surgical treatment of cavus foot may include one or more of the following options:

  • Callus care. Dr. Neuhaus often trims the calluses and recommends wearing small pads around the calluses to reduce pressure and pain. Patients should never attempt to trim calluses themselves, since this could do more harm than good and possibly result in an infection.

  • Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices that fit into the shoe can be beneficial because they 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. Dr. Neuhaus has made a video for the perfect shoe selection to help with determining the right shoe to wear.

  • Bracing. Dr. Neuhaus 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 to decrease pain, increase stability, and compensate for weakness in the foot. Surgery is also considered for cases that are likely to get worse 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. Dr. Neuhaus will choose the best surgical procedure or combination of procedures based on the patient's individual case. In some cases where an underlying neurological problem exists, surgery may be needed again in the future due to the progression of the disorder.

 

 

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“I wrote this book because too many people suffer from foot
and ankle pain unnecessarily.”
-Dr. Matthew Neuhaus