Pes Cavus

Updated: December 11, 2025

Mail Whatsapp PDF Image

Background

A high arch that does not flatten underweight bearing is a characteristic of the foot morphology known as pes cavus.

The forefoot, midfoot, hindfoot, or a combination of these may be the site of the malformation. It causes more weight to be placed on the heel and ball of the foot, which frequently causes pain, discomfort, and trouble walking and balancing.

Pes cavus is a frequent occurrence, affecting about 10% of the general population, but it can also indicate a neurologic problem.

Contracture of the plantar fascia, cockup deformity of the great toe, posterior hindfoot deformity, and clawing of the toes are among the range of related abnormalities seen with pes cavus.

Metatarsalgia and calluses may result from the increased weight bearing on the metatarsal heads.

The objective of treatment is to create a plantigrade foot that permits uniform weight distribution. Surgery is indicated if the plantigrade foot should not keep asymptomatic.

A thorough and meticulous evaluation of the foot and ankle is necessary when making surgical decisions to check for abnormalities, strength, and rigidity.

Bony and soft-tissue operations are the two main categories into which surgical procedures fall.

Epidemiology

It is less frequent than pes planus, or flatfoot, and its frequency varies based on the community under study.

Even though not all high-arched foot conditions are symptomatic or clinically significant, certain studies indicate that up to 25% persons may have one. Though it can appear at any age, late childhood or adolescent is usually when it becomes apparent.

Early adulthood is a common time for progressive forms to appear, when underlying neurological disorders are involved.

A systemic or neurological etiology is more likely to be the source of bilateral presentation, whereas spinal cord pathology or trauma may be the origin of unilateral pes cavus.

Anatomy

Pathophysiology

Mann explained how people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease develop pes cavus. Understanding the deformity by knowledge of the muscles involved and the order in which they are involved.

A muscle agonist-antagonist model is used to identify the deformity. The anterior tibialis and peroneus brevis become weaker in CMT disease.

Forefoot adduction is caused by the posterior tibialis pulling more forcefully than the weak peroneus brevis. The weakening of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex causes the deformity in the hindfoot of polio patients.

Etiology

The causes of Pes Cavus are:

Malunion of calcaneal or talar fractures

Burns

Sequelae resulting from compartment syndrome

Residual clubfoot

Neuromuscular disease

Genetics

Prognostic Factors

There have been some encouraging results recorded. For example, Wetmore and Drennan found that 24% of patients with CMT illness who had triple arthrodesis had good outcomes after an average follow-up of 21 years.

With an average follow-up of 7.5 years, Mann and Hsu reported on 12 feet in patients with CMT illness who had triple arthrodesis.

The outcomes of osteotomies and soft-tissue surgeries were reported by Roper and Tibrewal. A review of ten CMT disease cases was conducted fourteen years following surgery. Recurrent deformity necessitated repeat surgery for two patients.

Excellent results were indicated by the mean modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Midfoot Score of 76 and the mean Bristol Foot Score of 27.

Clinical History

Increased weight bearing on the lateral foot can cause patients to present with lateral foot pain.

Patients who have weak peroneus brevis and hindfoot varus may show with ankle instability.

A comprehensive history and examination are the first steps in evaluating a patient who arrives with pes cavus to identify the cause.

Based on family history, neuromuscular diseases can be detected. A new unilateral deformity requires a proper workup because it is very suggestive of a spinal cord malignancy.

Physical Examination

Neurological examination

Foot examination

Age group

Associated comorbidity

Associated activity

Acuity of presentation

Mild lateral pain, Metatarsalgia, Ankle instability, Neurological deficits

Differential Diagnoses

Congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease

Distal hereditary motor neuropathies

Dejerine–Sottas neuropathy

Laboratory Studies

Imaging Studies

Procedures

Histologic Findings

Staging

Treatment Paradigm

The aim of treatment is to create a plantigrade foot that enables the patient to walk about pain-free and with an even weight distribution.

The patient needs to comprehend the purpose of the procedure and be aware that a normal foot cannot be obtained through surgical reconstruction.

Repeat surgery can be required, particularly if the deformity worsens over time. Patient satisfaction requires preoperative patient education.

Poor vascularity is an unequivocal contraindication to surgery. If necessary, revascularization should be carried out prior to rebuilding.

To reduce the risk of infection, the wound should be cured before reconstruction if there is an ulcer.

Performing an extensive arthrodesis as a salvage treatment and, if feasible, preserving the joints are the current trends.

by Stage

by Modality

Chemotherapy

Radiation Therapy

Surgical Interventions

Hormone Therapy

Immunotherapy

Hyperthermia

Photodynamic Therapy

Stem Cell Transplant

Targeted Therapy

Palliative Care

use-of-non-pharmacological-approach-for-pes-cavus

Patient should take physical therapy to stretch tight muscles and strengthen weak muscles to provide relief.

Using extra-depth shoes and orthotics to relieve bony prominences and avoid toe friction may help reduce symptoms.

The function of hindfoot varus deformities can be improved by modifying the lateral wedge sole.

The heel can be neutralized in forefoot-driven hindfoot varus by using an insole that has lateral elevation and a recession beneath the first ray.

It is necessary to have plastozolte linings in the brace and to regularly check the skin for ulcers.

Proper awareness about pes cavus should be provided and its related causes with management strategies.

Appointments with orthopaedist and preventing recurrence of disorder is an ongoing life-long effort.

Use of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Ibuprofen:

It inhibits synthesis of prostaglandins in body tissues at least 2 cyclo-oxygenase isoenzymes with COX-1 and COX-2.

Use of Muscle Relaxants

Baclofen inhibits monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal level to decrease excitatory neurotransmitter.

Diazepam:

It reduces anxiety and muscle spasm by enhancing GABA.

use-of-intervention-with-a-procedure-in-treating-pes-cavus

Multiple separate procedures must be performed because no single procedure is suitable for every patient.

Without the need for an arthrodesis, the deformity can be corrected by tendon transfers and osteotomies.

Methods for fully resecting the plantar fascia and removing the fascia from the calcaneus have been documented.

The EHL and the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) are moved to the first, third, and fifth metatarsals as part of the extensor shift technique.

use-of-phases-in-managing-pes-cavus

The initial management phase is suitable for mild or early-stage cases.

The progressive intervention phase is for patients with worsening deformity or unrelieved symptoms.

In supportive care and management phase, patients should receive required attention such as lifestyle modification and surgical interventional procedures.

The regular follow-up visits with the orthopedist are scheduled to check the improvement of patients along with treatment response.

Medication

Media Gallary

Content loading

Latest Posts

Pes Cavus

Updated : December 11, 2025

Mail Whatsapp PDF Image



A high arch that does not flatten underweight bearing is a characteristic of the foot morphology known as pes cavus.

The forefoot, midfoot, hindfoot, or a combination of these may be the site of the malformation. It causes more weight to be placed on the heel and ball of the foot, which frequently causes pain, discomfort, and trouble walking and balancing.

Pes cavus is a frequent occurrence, affecting about 10% of the general population, but it can also indicate a neurologic problem.

Contracture of the plantar fascia, cockup deformity of the great toe, posterior hindfoot deformity, and clawing of the toes are among the range of related abnormalities seen with pes cavus.

Metatarsalgia and calluses may result from the increased weight bearing on the metatarsal heads.

The objective of treatment is to create a plantigrade foot that permits uniform weight distribution. Surgery is indicated if the plantigrade foot should not keep asymptomatic.

A thorough and meticulous evaluation of the foot and ankle is necessary when making surgical decisions to check for abnormalities, strength, and rigidity.

Bony and soft-tissue operations are the two main categories into which surgical procedures fall.

It is less frequent than pes planus, or flatfoot, and its frequency varies based on the community under study.

Even though not all high-arched foot conditions are symptomatic or clinically significant, certain studies indicate that up to 25% persons may have one. Though it can appear at any age, late childhood or adolescent is usually when it becomes apparent.

Early adulthood is a common time for progressive forms to appear, when underlying neurological disorders are involved.

A systemic or neurological etiology is more likely to be the source of bilateral presentation, whereas spinal cord pathology or trauma may be the origin of unilateral pes cavus.

Mann explained how people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease develop pes cavus. Understanding the deformity by knowledge of the muscles involved and the order in which they are involved.

A muscle agonist-antagonist model is used to identify the deformity. The anterior tibialis and peroneus brevis become weaker in CMT disease.

Forefoot adduction is caused by the posterior tibialis pulling more forcefully than the weak peroneus brevis. The weakening of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex causes the deformity in the hindfoot of polio patients.

The causes of Pes Cavus are:

Malunion of calcaneal or talar fractures

Burns

Sequelae resulting from compartment syndrome

Residual clubfoot

Neuromuscular disease

There have been some encouraging results recorded. For example, Wetmore and Drennan found that 24% of patients with CMT illness who had triple arthrodesis had good outcomes after an average follow-up of 21 years.

With an average follow-up of 7.5 years, Mann and Hsu reported on 12 feet in patients with CMT illness who had triple arthrodesis.

The outcomes of osteotomies and soft-tissue surgeries were reported by Roper and Tibrewal. A review of ten CMT disease cases was conducted fourteen years following surgery. Recurrent deformity necessitated repeat surgery for two patients.

Excellent results were indicated by the mean modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Midfoot Score of 76 and the mean Bristol Foot Score of 27.

Increased weight bearing on the lateral foot can cause patients to present with lateral foot pain.

Patients who have weak peroneus brevis and hindfoot varus may show with ankle instability.

A comprehensive history and examination are the first steps in evaluating a patient who arrives with pes cavus to identify the cause.

Based on family history, neuromuscular diseases can be detected. A new unilateral deformity requires a proper workup because it is very suggestive of a spinal cord malignancy.

Neurological examination

Foot examination

Mild lateral pain, Metatarsalgia, Ankle instability, Neurological deficits

Congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease

Distal hereditary motor neuropathies

Dejerine–Sottas neuropathy

The aim of treatment is to create a plantigrade foot that enables the patient to walk about pain-free and with an even weight distribution.

The patient needs to comprehend the purpose of the procedure and be aware that a normal foot cannot be obtained through surgical reconstruction.

Repeat surgery can be required, particularly if the deformity worsens over time. Patient satisfaction requires preoperative patient education.

Poor vascularity is an unequivocal contraindication to surgery. If necessary, revascularization should be carried out prior to rebuilding.

To reduce the risk of infection, the wound should be cured before reconstruction if there is an ulcer.

Performing an extensive arthrodesis as a salvage treatment and, if feasible, preserving the joints are the current trends.

Orthopaedic Surgery

Patient should take physical therapy to stretch tight muscles and strengthen weak muscles to provide relief.

Using extra-depth shoes and orthotics to relieve bony prominences and avoid toe friction may help reduce symptoms.

The function of hindfoot varus deformities can be improved by modifying the lateral wedge sole.

The heel can be neutralized in forefoot-driven hindfoot varus by using an insole that has lateral elevation and a recession beneath the first ray.

It is necessary to have plastozolte linings in the brace and to regularly check the skin for ulcers.

Proper awareness about pes cavus should be provided and its related causes with management strategies.

Appointments with orthopaedist and preventing recurrence of disorder is an ongoing life-long effort.

Orthopaedic Surgery

Ibuprofen:

It inhibits synthesis of prostaglandins in body tissues at least 2 cyclo-oxygenase isoenzymes with COX-1 and COX-2.

Orthopaedic Surgery

Baclofen inhibits monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal level to decrease excitatory neurotransmitter.

Diazepam:

It reduces anxiety and muscle spasm by enhancing GABA.

Orthopaedic Surgery

Multiple separate procedures must be performed because no single procedure is suitable for every patient.

Without the need for an arthrodesis, the deformity can be corrected by tendon transfers and osteotomies.

Methods for fully resecting the plantar fascia and removing the fascia from the calcaneus have been documented.

The EHL and the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) are moved to the first, third, and fifth metatarsals as part of the extensor shift technique.

Orthopaedic Surgery

The initial management phase is suitable for mild or early-stage cases.

The progressive intervention phase is for patients with worsening deformity or unrelieved symptoms.

In supportive care and management phase, patients should receive required attention such as lifestyle modification and surgical interventional procedures.

The regular follow-up visits with the orthopedist are scheduled to check the improvement of patients along with treatment response.

Free CME credits

Both our subscription plans include Free CME/CPD AMA PRA Category 1 credits.

Digital Certificate PDF

On course completion, you will receive a full-sized presentation quality digital certificate.

medtigo Simulation

A dynamic medical simulation platform designed to train healthcare professionals and students to effectively run code situations through an immersive hands-on experience in a live, interactive 3D environment.

medtigo Points

medtigo points is our unique point redemption system created to award users for interacting on our site. These points can be redeemed for special discounts on the medtigo marketplace as well as towards the membership cost itself.
 
  • Registration with medtigo = 10 points
  • 1 visit to medtigo’s website = 1 point
  • Interacting with medtigo posts (through comments/clinical cases etc.) = 5 points
  • Attempting a game = 1 point
  • Community Forum post/reply = 5 points

    *Redemption of points can occur only through the medtigo marketplace, courses, or simulation system. Money will not be credited to your bank account. 10 points = $1.

All Your Certificates in One Place

When you have your licenses, certificates and CMEs in one place, it's easier to track your career growth. You can easily share these with hospitals as well, using your medtigo app.

Our Certificate Courses