The Cavus Foot in Athletes: Fundamentals of Examination and Treatment

Athletes with cavus feet present unique challenges to the orthopedic surgeon. Continuous high impact activity with this foot deformity leads to distinct injuries. Immediate recognition of the athlete's cavus feet and associated injuries allows prompt treatment and return to sport. If not recognized, treatment will often fail. Injuries include stress fractures, ankle instablility, impingement syndromes, and tendon disorders. Appropriate treatment requires correction of the cavus deformity as well as the specific associated injuries. Nonoperative treatment includes specialized orthotic shoe inserts. If a course of nonoperative treatment fails, operative intervention is warranted. Operative treatment of the cavus deformity may include a simple dorsiflexion first ray osteotomy or more complex reconstruction, including a lateralizing calcaneal osteotomy. Correction or accommodation of the deformity as well as the identification of the specific injury will likely lead to successful treatment and return to a high level of competition.