What is Pes Cavus?

This is a condition whereby the arch of the foot is very pronounced. It is the opposite to Pes Planus where the arch is obliterated.

What are the symptoms of Pes Cavus?

The majority of patients will be asymptomatic and will have had the condition from birth. This condition does make patients more susceptible to rolling the ankle so recurrent sprains and injury to the lateral ligament complex or Peroneal tendons can be seen. With increasing age, due to the long term abnormal pressures placed on the foot and ankle, arthritis may develop and lead to worsening deformity and pain.

It is important to recognise a foot that develops a high arch, especially if only one side. This could be a sign of an underlying spinal cord or neurological condition and requires MR imaging of the entire neural axis as a matter of urgency.

How is Pes Cavus diagnosed?

The foot shape abnormality can be easily appreciated on examination alone. Weight-bearing X-rays can quantify the angles of the arch of the foot and can be helpful to monitor any changes. MRI and CT are helpful to look at particular parts of the foot if pathology has developed due to the deformity.

What are my treatment options for Pes Cavus?

Most of the conditions that ensue from this deformity are discussed separately in this section of the website. To correct the cavus deformity surgically it is almost always necessary to realign the heel and perform various soft tissue releases to bring the foot back to a more neutral position.

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury or is experiencing pain across their lower limbs or difficulty with mobility and would like a consultant-led review, please contact us. Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of knee-related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.

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Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of foot & ankle -related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.

FOOT & ANKLE CONDITIONS

If you would like to learn about other foot & ankle conditions click the button below to find out more

FOOT & ANKLE TREATMENTS

If you would like to learn about other foot & ankle treatments click the button below to find out more

our specialist FOOT & ANKLE consultants

Foot & ankle care at Grosvenor Orthopaedics is lead by Mr Tim Sinnett. A graduate of Cambridge and Imperial College medical schools and leading academic and trauma consultant for Chelsea and Westminster NHS trust. He is further supported by the orthopaedic team here including other consultant surgeons, nurses and care staff.

Our team are well placed to manage and treat a diverse range of foot and ankle concerns utilising cutting edge diagnostic technology and treatment approaches, both surgical and conservative. Below is an overview of some of the conditions we treat but for a more thorough understanding please contact our team here

MR TIM SINNETT

Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Specialist in Foot and Ankle Surgery

MBBS (AICSM), MA (Cantab), FRCS (Tr & Orth)
Tim is a Trauma and Orthopaedic Consultant at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, King Edward VIIs Hospital, and the Lister Hospital, Chelsea. His high volume Adult Foot and Ankle practice is made up of all aspects of ankle, hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot pathology. He is an avid believer in patient empowerment and autonomy, especially when decisions regarding surgery are required. Ensuring a high-quality patient journey from the first assessment to full rehabilitation is at the heart of his practice.

Mr Mike Williamson

Consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, specialist in foot and ankle surgery and complex trauma surgery

MSci, MPhil, MB, BChir, MRCS, FRCS (Tr+Orth)
Mr Mike Williamson is a consultant foot and ankle and major trauma surgeon practising at St George’s Hospital Major Trauma Centre. His adult foot and ankle practice is made up of all aspects of ankle, hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot pathology and trauma. His practice is firmly based around his patients, ensuring they have up to date evidenced based information, a trusting and supportive relationship with their surgeon, from initial presentation to rehabilitation, patient autonomy, and the right environment, to ensure treatment and management plans are tailored to the patient’s needs and expectations.

What some of our patients say

Mrs MA

Thank you for taking care of me. You went above and beyond and I am so touched and grateful. My knee feels fine now