Dr. Salvatore Meleca discusses the Cavus foot type, its symptoms, and treatment options in this informative video. He explains how patients with this foot type often experience pain on the outside of the foot, including the fifth metatarsal base, known as the styloid process. He also addresses common issues like calluses and perineal tendon pain. Dr. Meleca emphasizes the importance of understanding whether the Cavus foot is flexible or rigid, as this significantly influences treatment options. He outlines various treatment approaches, from conservative methods like stretching and orthotics to surgical considerations for more severe cases. This video is an excellent resource for anyone looking to understand Cavus foot and its management.
Video Transcript
“Hi there, Dr. Salvatore Meleca here again. Today, I want to discuss the Cavus foot type, also known as the high-arched foot, and the symptoms you might experience with this condition. Throughout my practice, I’ve seen patients with various symptoms, such as pain on the outside of the foot, specifically under the fifth metatarsal base or the styloid process. Others might have calluses under the ball of their foot on the outer side, affecting metatarsals three, four, and five.
Cavus foot can also cause pain on the outside of the heel and peroneal tendon pain, which is common in people with this foot type. You might also experience symptoms like anterior medial ankle pain, which is at the front of the ankle on the instep, and not at the back.
In this video, I’ll go over the symptoms a bit more and what patients might be experiencing. It’s important to understand the treatment options for Cavus foot. During a physical exam, I’ll assess ankle stability and determine whether the Cavus foot is flexible or rigid, which has significant implications for treatment success.
If the Cavus foot type is mild to moderate and flexible, treatment might include a stretching program, orthotics, and as-needed pain medications. I usually prefer to limit pain medication prescriptions, as many conditions can be treated without them. For Cavus foot, specifically, it’s more of a biomechanical issue than an inflammatory one, depending on whether the peroneal tendons are involved or if there’s soft tissue impingement.
Choosing the right orthotics is crucial. I recommend Foot Scientific type 3 orthotics for this condition if the rearfoot is flexible. Custom-made orthotics are also an option, but they must have a valgus post with a first-ray recess, which I can explain in more detail during an office visit.
However, if your deformity is more rigid or severe, conservative treatment may not be as beneficial. Surgery can be considered, especially for more severe and fixed deformities. I’ve posted an article below for more information. Please feel free to check it out and don’t hesitate to visit me in the office if you have any questions. I wish you the best of luck in managing your Cavus foot type. Take care and have a wonderful day. Bye now.”