We have all been there, neglected a niggle in our foot and told ourselves that it would probably go away. Weeks have passed, even months, and it’s only getting worse. Then finally, when we are hobbling around barely able to walk, we decide to seek help…
Well, at Achilles Foot Clinic, we are here to help you.
Pes cavus, also known as clawed foot or high arches, is a condition where the foot has unusually high arches that don’t flatten properly when standing. This can lead to an uneven distribution of weight, causing pain, instability, and difficulty with balance. Individuals with Pes Cavus often experience foot pain, muscle tightness, and a higher risk of developing calluses and other foot-related problems.
While Pes Cavus can vary in severity, it is important to address the condition early to prevent further complications and improve quality of life. In this blog, we’ll explore the most effective treatment options for managing Pes Cavus, from custom orthotics to surgical interventions, to help you find the relief and support you need.
Before diving into treatment options, it’s important to understand what Pes Cavus is and how it affects the feet. Normally, when we stand, our feet have a slight arch that provides flexibility and allows for shock absorption. However, in people with Pes Cavus, the arches are higher than usual and are often rigid, meaning they don’t flatten naturally when weight is applied.
This altered structure can lead to an imbalanced distribution of pressure, with excessive weight placed on the toes and heels. As a result, the feet may feel painful, and the individual may experience discomfort during walking or standing for long periods. Other symptoms may include:
Pain in the ball of the foot or heel
Tightness in the calf muscles
Foot instability and difficulty with balance
Foot deformities, such as hammertoes or calluses
Fatigue or soreness during physical activity
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to manage Pes Cavus and reduce its impact on your daily life.
One of the first treatment options for managing Pes Cavus is custom orthotics. These are specially designed insoles that provide additional support, cushioning, and alignment for your feet. Custom orthotics are made based on your foot's unique structure, which helps redistribute pressure more evenly and reduces the strain on high-arched areas.
The benefits of custom orthotics for Pes Cavus include:
Better shock absorption: Orthotics help cushion the feet and absorb shock, especially in the ball of the foot and heel.
Improved alignment: They help position the foot correctly, reducing the risk of misalignment in the knees, hips, and lower back.
Pain relief: Orthotics alleviate foot pain by redistributing weight and easing pressure on painful areas like the arch or toes.
If you’re experiencing discomfort due to Pes Cavus, a podiatrist can evaluate your feet and prescribe custom orthotics tailored to your needs.
Proper footwear plays a crucial role in managing Pes Cavus. Shoes that offer adequate arch support, cushioning, and stability can significantly reduce foot pain and improve balance. Here are some tips for choosing the right footwear:
Look for shoes with a contoured arch: Shoes with built-in arch support can help provide stability and comfort.
Avoid high heels or shoes with no support: These can exacerbate foot pain and imbalance.
Choose shoes with a wide toe box: This can help alleviate pressure on the toes and reduce the risk of developing calluses or hammertoes.
Sometimes, shoe inserts or insoles can be added to regular footwear to provide extra support and reduce pain. Your podiatrist can guide you on selecting the best shoes and insoles based on your specific needs.
For individuals with Pes Cavus, physical therapy can be an effective way to manage the condition and improve foot function. A physical therapist can work with you to strengthen the muscles in your feet and lower legs, improve flexibility, and correct any imbalances in your gait.
Some common physical therapy treatments for Pes Cavus include:
Stretching exercises: Targeting tight muscles, especially in the calves and Achilles tendon, can help reduce discomfort and increase flexibility.
Strengthening exercises: Building strength in the foot and ankle muscles can improve stability and help correct abnormal movement patterns caused by high arches.
Balance training: Exercises that focus on improving balance can help prevent falls and provide more stability when walking or standing.
Physical therapy can be especially helpful if you experience difficulty with balance or instability due to Pes Cavus.
In addition to physical therapy sessions, there are several exercises you can do at home to manage Pes Cavus. These exercises can improve flexibility, reduce muscle tightness, and relieve pain.
Calf stretches: Stretching the calves helps relieve tension in the Achilles tendon and improve foot mobility.
Towel curls: Place a towel on the floor and use your toes to scrunch it toward you. This exercise helps strengthen the muscles in the arch.
Toe raises: Stand with your feet flat on the ground and slowly raise your heels, standing on your toes. This helps strengthen the foot muscles and improve balance.
Performing these exercises regularly can help reduce pain and improve foot function.
In some cases, when conservative treatments such as orthotics, physical therapy, and footwear modifications are not enough, surgery may be considered. Surgical options for Pes Cavus are typically recommended for more severe cases or when there are deformities such as hammertoes or rigid joints that do not respond to non-surgical treatments.
Surgical options may include:
Tendon lengthening: Tight tendons can be lengthened to restore more flexibility to the foot and reduce pain.
Bone realignment: In some cases, the bones in the foot may need to be realigned to improve the structure and function of the foot.
Fusion of joints: If there’s severe joint damage, fusion surgery can be done to stabilize the foot and alleviate pain.
Surgery is typically considered only after other treatment options have been exhausted, and it is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine if surgery is the right option for you.
Living with Pes Cavus doesn’t have to mean constant foot pain and difficulty with balance. With the right treatment approach, including custom orthotics, physical therapy, and appropriate footwear, you can manage the condition and improve your quality of life. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore function and alleviate pain.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to high arches, it’s important to speak with a podiatrist who can help you develop a personalized treatment plan. At Achilles Foot Clinic, our team of experts is here to provide you with the care and support you need to live a pain-free life.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find the best treatment option for your foot health!
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