Cavus foot in Barranquilla, Colombia

What is a cavus foot?

It is a foot with a higher-than-normal arch. When standing, weight concentrates on the heel and forefoot, overloading those areas. It can be mild and painless or marked and rigid.

Why does it develop?

It can be hereditary or idiopathic, but a high arch that worsens, appears on one side or comes with weakness should be investigated, as it is often linked to neurological or neuromuscular disease such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or after spinal or nerve injuries.

What problems does it cause?

Pain and calluses on the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia) and heel, claw toes, frequent ankle sprains and instability, fifth metatarsal stress fractures and difficulty finding comfortable shoes.

How is it treated?

With custom insoles to spread the load, well-cushioned stable shoes, stretching and strengthening, and ankle braces if there is instability. If the deformity is progressive, rigid or causes persistent pain and instability, surgery combining bone and tendon corrections is considered. Neurological evaluation is important when a neurological cause is suspected.

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