The inner edge of the foot is raised off the floor in the middle to form the arch of the foot. The height of the arch varies from person to person. When it is higher than normal the shape of the foot is called "cavus".
When a person with a cavus foot stands, the middle of the foot seems to be raised higher off the ground than normal. The heel may be drawn in towards the inner side, and the toes may also be drawn inwards. Some people with cavus feet also have curled-up "claw" toes. Although the most obvious thing about a cavus foot is usually the high arch, this appearance is actually produced by other more basic deformities in the foot. In all cavus feet the front part of the foot is drawn downwards more than normal, and the part on the side of the big toe (first ray) is usually drawn down most of all. The result is to tip the arch upwards, and also to tip the foot onto its outer side. It is this combination that produces the appearance of a high arch and a large space under the foot.
In a few people with cavus feet who have weak calf muscles, the heel is also drawn down and this adds to the height of the arch. Other people, whose Achilles tendons become tight, have their heel drawn up. This tends to increase the pressure on the ankle and the ball of the foot. Other people's heels are neither drawn up or down. The heel of any cavus foot may also turn inwards because of the tilting of the rest of the foot. To start with, the heel tilting is flexible but with the passage of time the tissues and joints may become stiff and the heel tilt may become fixed.
In many people, we do not know the cause of their cavus foot. These people tend to have milder deformities and the foot appearance sometimes runs in the family.
Many medical conditions which cause weakness or lack of co-ordination of muscles can result in a cavus foot. Examples of such conditions include Charcot Marie tooth syndrome, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy and conditions in which the small nerves in the legs do not work properly. It is thought that even when no definite medical condition can be found, cavus feet are probably due to very slight weakness of muscles in the legs and feet.
If your arches appear to be getting higher, your feet are tilting over, your toes are curling up or your feet feel weak or numb, you should definitely consult your doctor. Otherwise it probably depends on how much trouble your feet are giving you.
Possibly. Unless you know why you have high arches it is impossible to say how likely it is thst your children will have this too.
Many people with pes cavus have no problem at all. Sometimes it can be difficult to find shoes to fit, or the feet may ache, especially around the ankle, the outer edge of the foot or in the ball of the foot. Curled-up toes may rub on shoes.
Cavus feet tend to be stiffer than normal and may not take pressure as well as normal feet, so they may ache if you have been on your feet for a while. The heel generally caves more inside into varus leading to bit instability too. Some people with mild cavus feet don't notice them until they take up running or other sports, when the cavus may limit their exercise tolerance.
In patients having neuromuscular problem these ankles feel weak and they get ankle sprains easily. A few people who have reduced feeling in their feet as part of the condition that caused the cavus, find that their skin rubs raw in areas of high pressure. This is a strong reason to consult your doctor.
Not necessarily. Most people who go over on the ankle a lot originally damaged the ankle in an injury and this has never fully healed. However, if you have a high arch as well, this could be contributing to the problem. There is a page on this site which gives further information about ankle ligament problems, including advice about when to consult a doctor esp foot and ankle surgeon.
Not necessarily. There are many causes of pain in the ball of the foot, or "metatarsalgia". Sometimes no definite cause can be found. However, if you have a high arch, especially if you have curled-up toes too, this could be contributing to the problem. There is a page on this site which gives further information about metatarsalgia,
Not necessarily. There are many causes of deformity of the small toes. However, if you have a high arch, they could be related. There is a page on this site which gives further information about problems with the small toes, including advice about when to consult a doctor or chiropodist.
You won't be able to do anything about the underlying cause, if there is one. Exercising and stretching your foot may help to minimise the stiffness.
The most important thing is to take care of your feet well. Make sure there is plenty room in your shoes, with no rubbing on your toes. If you walk a lot or play sport, make sure you have plenty of shock-absorbing material in your shoes, as cavus feet are often a bit stiff and absorb shock poorly. If you don't have normal feeling in your feet, check them every day for raw, discoloured or broken areas of skin. A pad or insole in your shoe may help relieve aching in the arch of your foot.
You will need a complete examination, to see whether you have any medical condition that might cause cavus feet. Your doctor may want to discuss whether you should have any more tests. If tests are felt necessary, you may have blood tests, Xrays of your feet or spine, scans of your spine or head or electrical tests to see if your nerves are working. Sometimes these tests come up with a definite medical condition, but sometimes they do not.
An orthotist may may be able to help with insoles to relieve aching or to spread weight away from raw skin or calluses. If your foot tilts over a lot, especially if your heel tilts too, a splint, brace or caliper may make it more stable for walking.
Most people with cavus feet do not need operations. However, if your cavus feet cause a lot of pain, instability or rub badly on your shoes so that the skin breaks down, and simple treatment has not helped, then a surgery is required to straighten your foot. You need to consult a Foot and ankle surgeon to get a proper evaluation and advise to get it corrected surgically. Surgery for cavus foot is often quite major, especially if the deformity is severe or very stiff.
Possible operations include:
Your surgeon will discuss the options fully with you, including the chances of success and failure, to help you.