What is it?
A cavus foot has an unusually high arch, and the heel often tilts inwards. This puts extra pressure on the outer edge of the foot and the ball of the foot, and makes ankle sprains more likely.
What causes it?
- An inherited foot shape.
- Nerve or muscle conditions, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
- Previous injury.
- Sometimes no clear cause.
Common symptoms
- Repeated ankle sprains or a feeling of instability.
- Pain under the ball of the foot or along the outer edge.
- Calluses.
- Claw toes, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes.
How is it diagnosed?
Your surgeon will examine the foot standing and use specific tests to see how flexible the deformity is. X-rays are taken, and nerve tests may be arranged to look for an underlying cause.
Things you can do now
- Wear cushioned shoes with a wide base
- Use insoles to spread pressure
- Stretch your calves regularly
- Wear an ankle brace for sport if your ankle tends to roll
Treatment
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs, symptoms and goals. Depending on your situation, it may include insoles, supportive footwear, an ankle brace, physiotherapy and surgery to realign the bones, release tight tissues or transfer tendons.
Mr Jeyaseelan will talk you through the options that are right for you at your consultation.
When to see a specialist
- Your ankle keeps giving way
- You have pain on the outside of the foot or under the ball of the foot
- One foot is changing shape, or you have weakness or numbness
What to expect
Insoles and supportive footwear help many people. When symptoms persist, surgery to rebalance the foot can be very effective. Sometimes a high arch is linked to a nerve condition, which is checked at your assessment.
Common questions
Where can I see a specialist about high-arched (cavus) feet in London?
Mr Lucky Jeyaseelan, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises only in the foot and ankle, sees private and insured patients with high-arched (cavus) feet at Align Orthopaedics on Harley Street, The London Clinic on Devonshire Place, HCA London Bridge Hospital, HCA UK at The Shard, HCA UK City of London on Old Broad Street and The Holly Hospital in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. See all clinic locations or request an appointment.
Do I need a GP referral?
Self-funding patients can book directly, though a GP letter is helpful. Most insurers need a GP referral before they authorise your consultation, so check with yours first.
This information is general and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Your diagnosis and treatment plan will be tailored to you.