Pes Cavus
Pes Cavus
Pes cavus is a high-arched foot due to equinus (plantar flexion) deformity of the first ray, with secondary changes in the other rays (i.e., deformity is more evident on the medial side of the foot in most cases). This may be due to imbalance of muscular forces during development (e.g., strong peroneus longus, weak peroneus brevis and tibialis anterior, although the precise pattern may differ with cause), which may be a consequence of neurological disease. Hammer toes may also be present. Pes cavus may be associated with disease of genetic origin, e.g., hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN, Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome), hereditary spastic paraparesis, Friedreich’s ataxia, Marfan’s syndrome; or be due to an early neurological insult, e.g., cerebral palsy, paralytic poliomyelitis. Familial pes cavus without other neurological signs also occurs.
Surgical treatment of pes cavus may be necessary, especially if there are secondary deformities causing pain, skin breakdown, or gait problems.
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