High Arches (Cavus Foot) in Orange County

 

What is Cavus Foot?
Cavus foot is a condition in which the foot has a very high arch. Because of this high arch, an excessive amount of weight is placed on the ball and heel of the foot when walking or standing. Cavus foot in Orange County can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms, such as pain and instability. It can develop at any age and may occur in one or both feet. Our Orange County Podiatrist / Foot and Ankle Surgeon can evaluate and treat your high arches / cavus foot type at our Irvine, CA, Huntington Beach, CA or Orange, CA offices.

 

Causes of High Arches in Orange County
Cavus foot is often caused by a neurologic disorder or other medical condition such as cerebral palsy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, spina bifida, polio, muscular dystrophy, or stroke. In other cases of cavus foot, the high arch may represent an inherited structural abnormality.

An accurate diagnosis is important, because the underlying cause of cavus foot largely determines its future course. If the high arch is due to a neurologic disorder or other medical condition, it is likely to progressively worsen. On the other hand, cases of cavus foot that do not result from neurologic disorders usually do not change in appearance.

 

Symptoms of Cavus Foot in Orange County
The arch of a cavus foot will appear high even when standing. In addition, one or more of the following symptoms may be present:

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• Hammertoes (bent toes) or claw toes (toes clenched like a fist).

• Calluses on the ball, side, or heel of the foot.

• Pain when standing or walking.

• An unstable foot due to the heel tilting inward, which can lead to frequent ankle sprains.

 

Some people with cavus foot in Orange County may also experience foot drop, a weakness of the muscles in the foot and ankle that results in dragging the foot when taking a step. Foot drop is usually a sign of an underlying neurologic condition.

 

Diagnosis of Cavus Foot Deformity in Orange County
Diagnosis of cavus foot includes a review of the patient’s family history. The foot and ankle surgeon examines the foot, looking for a high arch and possible calluses, hammertoes, and claw toes. The foot is tested for muscle strength, and the patient’s walking pattern and coordination are observed. If a neurologic condition appears to be present, the entire limb may be examined. Our Orange County Podiatrist may also study the pattern of wear on the patient's shoes.

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X-rays are sometimes ordered to further assess the condition. In addition, the surgeon may refer the patient to a neurologist for a complete neurologic evaluation.

 

Non-Surgical Treatment in Orange County
Non-surgical treatment of cavus foot may include one or more of the following options:

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• Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices that fit into the shoe can be beneficial, because they provide stability and cushioning.

• Shoe modifications. High-topped shoes support the ankle, and shoes with heels a little wider on the bottom add stability.

• Bracing. The surgeon may recommend a brace to help keep the foot and ankle stable. Bracing is also useful in managing foot drop.

 

When is Surgery Needed for High Arches in Orange County?
If non-surgical treatment fails to adequately relieve pain and improve stability, surgery may be needed to decrease pain, increase stability, and compensate for weakness within the foot.

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Our Orange County Foot and Ankle Surgeon will assist you in choosing the best surgical procedure or combination of procedures based on the your individual case. In some cases where an underlying neurologic problem exists, surgery may be needed again in the future, due to the progression of the disorder.

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Please contact our office in Irvine, Orange, or Huntington Beach in Orange County, CA to make an appointment with our foot and ankle surgeon / podiatrist (Dr. Coyer) to have your high arches (cavus foot) in Orange County fully evaluated and treated.