How to Say It: pez cay-vus
Pes cavus is a foot that has an abnormally high arch.
Pes cavus may be caused by another health problem, such as:
This problem is more common in people who are over 60 years of age. It is also more common in women.
Some people may not have symptoms. People who do may have:
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on your feet. This is enough to make the diagnosis.
Images may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. This can be done with x-rays.
Any health problems causing pes cavus will need to be treated. These methods may also be used:
People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery. The type of surgery done depends on what is causing the pes cavus.
There are no known guidelines to prevent pes cavus.
American Podiatric Medical Association
http://www.apma.org
Foot Health Facts—American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
http://www.foothealthfacts.org
Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine
http://www.podiatryinfocanada.ca
Canadian Podiatric Medical Association
http://www.podiatrycanada.org
Cavus foot (high-arched foot). American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/cavus-foot-(high-arched-foot). Accessed July 30, 2020.
Eleswarapu AS, Yamini B, et al. Evaluating the Cavus Foot. Pediatr Ann. 2016 Jun 1;45(6):e218-222.
Pes cavus. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114709/Pes-cavus. Updated September 26, 2017. Accessed July 30, 2020.
Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Laura Lei-Rivera, PT, DPT Last Updated: 3/12/2021
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.