Cavus Foot and Keeping Your Heel Healthy

Cavus foot treatments for pain management

Cavus foot is a condition where the foot has an abnormally high arch. Because of this arch, an excessive amount of weight is placed on the ball and heel of the foot when walking or standing. Cavus foot can develop at any age, occur in one or both feet, and can cause consistent pain and instability to the foot and heel.

Symptoms of cavus foot

Besides having an obviously high arch even when standing, cavus foot can also cause one or more of the following:

Besides having an obviously high arch even when standing, cavus foot can also cause one or more of the following:

• Hammertoes or claw toes

• Calluses on the ball, side, or heel of the foot

• Pain when walking and standing

• An unstable foot, increasing the likelihood of ankle sprains

Treating cavus foot

To deal with the pain that stems from cavus foot, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)recommends shoe inserts, medications, and stretching as necessary therapy. Foot flexing and extending can help stretch out the foot and relieve tension. The AOFAS provides information on proper stretching exercises as well. In terms of medications, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. An ice pack can also help reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain. Those suffering from cavus foot should also avoid walking on uneven walking surfaces.

If these treatments don’t provide enough of a solution, you might want to consider prescription heel orthotics or extended physical therapy.

Healing your heel

To keep your heel healthy, you should take the following steps:

• Moisturize your heel twice a day: Before you begin walking around each day, moisturize your heel. This will help soften the skin and improve flexibility before the heel starts bearing weight. The second time you moisturize should be in the middle of the day, when your heels might be ready for some soothing to get through the rest of the afternoon. Look for moisturizers with urea and alpha hydroxyl to hydrate and exfoliate the skin.

• Maintain your calluses: Don’t let your calluses thicken and worsen. Use a foot file to keep them under control or treat yourself to a spa pedicure. Don’t get overzealous though, as minimal callus can actually help protect your foot.

• When possible, alternate between standing and sitting: If you know your day involves a lot of standing, be aware and take time to sit periodically throughout your day. You don’t need to feel chained to a chair, but you should try to give your heels a break from time to time when able.

• Wear closed-toe shoes whenever you’re able: Socks and shoes can help maintain your skin’s moisture in your heel and mitigate dryness throughout your day.

If you need help keeping your heel healthy or need a pain management strategy for your cavus foot, you should consult a podiatrist to walk you through your options. Podiatrists give you the tools you need to manage pain and keep your heels well.

If you’re looking for an experienced podiatrist in South Florida, Dr. Nina L. Coletta is here for you. Practicing podiatry for over twenty years, the practice remains on the cutting edge of advancements in Podiatric Medicine, providing modern treatments and using three-dimensional technology to construct custom orthotics and braces. Make an appointment today.