Pes cavus

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this in passing but I tend to have a pretty high arch. I've never really thought much of it, I've just noticed it in certain styles of shoes, mainly those with straps across the top middle part of my foot. It can also be problematic in shoes where you have to slip your foot through an attached strap, like the pink satin JCrew ankle strap heels I wore today.

This also was an issue when I bought the Nicole Brundage sandals. They both are beautiful shoes but I find them a hard fit. Not in the length, because that is rarely an issue, but just getting them on.



At first I actually thought it was me, and in a way, I guess it is. But obviously there isn't much I can do about it. But it is kind of frustrating after a while because I really really love mary janes and these strappy styles.

When I was writing about what I wore today I started wondering if this was an actual "condition". Granted, I don't think I have a major affliction or anything as I am not seriously impeded and I wear heels all the time and I don't have to wear any kind of orthotic. The major problem I have is metatarsal compression - the straps press into the top of my foot.

As the complete opposite of flat feet, folks with diagnosed pes cavus can end up having other problems as well.

Some things to know:

High foot arches are much less common than flat feet. However, they are more likely to be associated with an orthopedic or neurological conditions. Neuromuscular diseases that cause changes in muscle tone may lead to the development of high arches.

Unlike flat feet, highly arched feet tend to be painful because more stress is placed on the section of the foot between the ankle and the toes (metatarsals). This condition generally makes it difficult to fit shoes. In addition, those with high arches usually need foot support. A high arch may cause significant disability. (aack!)

Symptoms:

- Shortened length of foot (would size 5 be an symptom?)
- Difficulty fitting shoes
- Foot pain associated with walking, standing, and running

Now I actually used to run a lot. I hurt myself and stopped and haven't gone back to it yet. However one of my 2008 goals was to get back to running so I can run in a 10K by October and possibly a half marathon my next January. This is ambitious I know but I actually had peaked at that point when I was running in the past. I'm starting by ramping up slowly and plan in incorporating a lot of yoga as that helped me in past.

I don't have a significant issue now but I also don't want to develop one in the future - if only because I would be very very sad if I couldn't wear heels anymore. I mean, that's a heck of an investment to not be able to utilize anymore.

Has anyone else experienced this challenge? Do you just avoid those styles or did you come up with other strategies as a work around. I've bought bigger sizes (as I did with the JCrew pair), or I had to have new straps sent for the Nicole Brundage pair, and I've even cut the elastic holding straps and then re-sewn them on.

I did find that New Balance sneakers were the best for running (as recommended at a dedicated running store), so that's something to keep in mind.

Also, if you're having any problems or pain, make sure to speak to your doctor. Problems can be diagnosed through exams and test:

X-rays of the feet
X-ray of the spine
MRI of the spine
Electromyography
Nerve conduction studies

Treatments may include:

Corrective shoes may help to relieve pain and can improve walking. This includes orthopedic modifications to the shoes, such as an arch insert and a support insole. Surgery to flatten the foot is sometimes necessary in severe cases. Any underlying neurological problems, if present, must be treated by appropriate specialists.

Safe and happy walking!