Pes cavus is a condition characterised by an abnormally high arch in the foot. As a result, whether walking, standing, or sprinting, more weight is exerted on the ball and heel of the foot. This increases the stress on the foot muscles, perhaps leading to an overuse injury.
How can I determine whether my feet are high-arched?
A high arch foot may be difficult to detect without the assistance of a podiatrist. A simple footprint test, on the other hand, may help you decide whether you need a professional foot posture examination.
You may also perform a wet footprint test. Get your feet wet, and then stand on a paper towel or paper bag to do this. Compare the resulting arch form to the images online. Please remember that this test is unrealistic and that a complete foot posture examination involves many other factors.
What are the causes of high arched feet?
In more than 80% of instances, the high arched foot develops spontaneously without clear aetiology. In the other 20% of occurrences, the high arch foot is often associated with one of three scenarios:
- A neuromuscular disorder: This can induce an increase in arch height by affecting neurons and muscles. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a genetic illness characterised by gradual loss of muscle tissue and touch sensibility, is the most likely of these disorders.
- Family history: This may explain specific abnormalities, such as club foot
- Trauma: Foot injuries, such as fractures or burns, can result in a high arched foot.
Is discomfort inevitable since I have high arched feet?
Pes cavus does not always enhance the likelihood of injury and does not generally create difficulties.
Some people, however, will have various symptoms, including discomfort and instability. These symptoms can emerge at any age and usually affect both feet.
Do I require treatment?
Treatment is only necessary if the high arched foot causes discomfort in the foot or lower leg. Treatment is unnecessary in the absence of discomfort because of excessively arched feet. However, therapy may be necessary for extreme circumstances to avoid potential future harm.
The objective of treatment would be for the patient to be able to walk or run without experiencing any symptoms. Your podiatrist or doctor will look for any underlying causes and evidence that the problem is progressing.
Non-surgical options include:
- Orthotic devices are used in shoes to assist in minimising overloading.
- Shoe adaptations, such as high-topped shoes that provide increased foot stability.
- Physical therapy is used to stretch and strengthen tight muscles.
Surgery may be considered if the approaches mentioned above fail to manage or minimise symptoms. However, surgical surgery is only appropriate when the deformity is rapidly developing or so severe that traditional therapy is ineffective.
