Cavovarus Foot Treatment Guidelines Handout

A cavovarus foot deformity is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluations, imaging, and medical history. Healthcare professionals assess the structure of the foot, looking for signs such as a high arch, heel bone misalignment, or foot weakness. Tests like the Coleman block test can determine the flexibility of the deformity, while X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs provide detailed imaging of the ankle joint and foot structure.

Conservative treatments aim to alleviate symptoms such as foot pain and instability. Physical therapy is commonly recommended to strengthen weak muscles and improve balance, while orthotic shoe wear can provide support for high arch feet and redistribute pressure. Stretching the plantar fascia and avoiding activities that exacerbate ankle sprains can also help manage the condition without surgery.

Cavus foot surgery is typically recommended when conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, or the deformity causes significant functional issues. Surgical options include soft tissue procedures, such as plantar fascia release or tendon transfer, to rebalance muscle forces. For more severe cases, osteotomies or joint fusion may be performed to realign the heel bone and correct the high arch.