Foot Pain – Pes Cavus

Pes Cavus

The opposite of a flat foot, a pes cavus foot is an abnormally high arch on the inside of the foot. It can develop at any time and affect one or both feet. Often cavus deformities are associated with a neurological condition, in such cases the deformity may progress and worsen. Some people are born with pes cavus and this can be inherited or congenital. Trauma such as a crush injury can also lead to a pes cavus deformity.

Pes Cavus - Foot Pain

A cavus foot results in excessive pressure and stress on the ball of the foot and heel and very little weight being taken by the middle of the foot. This can cause pain when standing or walking. A high arch places constant tension on the plantar fascia which can lead to plantar fasciitis. Often someone with a cavus foot will also have claw or hammer toes which further increased the pressure on the ball of the foot. Excess pressure and stress on the ball of the foot can result in metatarsalgia and callusing.

An insole with a high, firm arch support can be useful in management of a pes cavus foot as it helps to spread the strain and stress over the whole foot rather than just the arch and the heel. A metatarsal pad and gel pads under the heel and ball of the foot can provide shock absorption and cushioning to help reduce pain when standing and walking.

The insoles we recommend for tarsal tunnel syndrome are: PRECISO (6)