Pes Cavus
1. [noun] pes cavus is a foot with an abnormally high plantar longitudinal arche. People who have this condition will place too much weight and stress on the ball and heel of the foot while standing and/or walking. The spectrum of associated deformities observed with pescavus includes clawing of the toes, posterior hind foot deformity (described as an increased calcaneal angle), contracture of the plantar fascia, and cock-up deformity of the great toe. This can cause increased weight bearing for the metatarsal heads and associated Metatarsalgia and calluses
Frequently Asked Questions
How does pes cavus change the weight distribution in your foot during everyday standing and walking?
With pes cavus, the high arch shifts weight to the ball and heel, concentrating pressure on these points. This can affect balance during regular activities like walking or standing for long periods.
How is pes cavus different from a flatfoot condition in terms of foot structure?
Pes cavus features a high arch, placing emphasis on the heel and forefoot, whereas flatfoot presents a low or absent arch. These contrasting structures lead to varied pressure distributions during movement.
What is the origin of the term 'pes cavus' in relation to foot structure?
Originating from Latin, 'pes' means foot and 'cavus' means hollow. Despite the literal translation, it describes a foot with an unusually high arch rather than a hollow foot.