Overview

Definition

Pes cavus is a foot that has an abnormally high arch.

Causes

Pes cavus may be caused by another health problem, such as:

  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Friedreich ataxia
  • Spinal cord tumor
  • Clubfoot
  • Compartment syndrome
  • Crush injury

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in people who are over 60 years of age. It is also more common in women.

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Some people may not have symptoms. People who do may have:

  • Pain in 1 or both feet
  • Problems walking
  • A history of ankle sprains
  • Calluses
Claw Toes
claw toe
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Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on your feet. This is enough to make the diagnosis.

Images may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. This can be done with x-rays.

Treatments

Treatment

Any health problems causing pes cavus will need to be treated. These methods may also be used:

  • Physical therapy
  • A change in shoes, shoe inserts, or a brace to manage symptoms

People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery. The type of surgery done depends on what is causing the pes cavus.

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent pes cavus.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.

a (Cavus Foot; High Arched Foot; Claw Foot)

RESOURCES

American Podiatric Medical Association http://www.apma.org 

Foot Health Facts—American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons http://www.foothealthfacts.org 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine http://www.podiatryinfocanada.ca 

Canadian Podiatric Medical Association http://www.podiatrycanada.org 

References

Cavus foot (high-arched foot). American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/cavus-foot-(high-arched-foot). Accessed July 30, 2020.

Eleswarapu AS, Yamini B, et al. Evaluating the Cavus Foot. Pediatr Ann. 2016 Jun 1;45(6):e218-222.

Pes cavus. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:  http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114709/Pes-cavus . Updated September 26, 2017. Accessed July 30, 2020.