Whether you’re a runner, skier, or avid walker, healthy feet are instrumental to ensuring the best athletic performance.
But when you’re dealing with a deformity like the cavus foot, it affects the entirety of your body.
Cavus foot is characterized by a rigid and very pronounced arch.
However, even if it changes your foot’s grip on the ground, this type of arch really doesn’t have to be an obstacle keeping you from enjoying your favorite physical activities.
Here are some tips to adapt your sports to a cavus foot and continue playing without pain.
What shoes are best suited for your sport if you have a cavus foot?
Much like with flat feet, cavus feet can also affect your athletic performance.
Here are some examples of how cavus foot can affect your performance:
- Unstable movements;
- Poor shock absorption;
- Ankles that are more prone to getting sprained;
- More frequent calf cramps;
- Hammertoes;
- Greater ligament and muscle tension;
- Supination.
These factors can both reduce the quality of your physical output and increase your risk of injury.
Therefore, it is crucial to carefully choose your footwear for sports while keeping in mind the specifics of your cavus feet.
Your shoes must:
- Be flexible;
- Have thicker soles to better absorb shock;
- Have curved soles to facilitate fluid gait.
Cavus feet and skiing
The plantar deformities associated with a cavus foot can make the act of putting on ski boots difficult.
But don’t give up! You can practise this sport just as well as running or walking.
Do note however that it is important to pay attention to the following points that could hint at the fact that you are using the wrong ski boots:
- Recurring foot cramps during skiing;
- A burning sensation under the forefoot;
- Friction on the bony contours of your outer ankles;
- Difficulty keeping your skis flat on the slope.
If you notice any of the signs above, we recommend seeing your podiatrist.
Thanks to techniques such as biomechanical examination, 2D/3D digital imaging and postural evaluation, your podiatrist will be able to determine the severity of your condition.
Cavus feet and running
Unexpectedly enough, cavus foot can actually be beneficial for a runner.
In fact, this foot deformity allows for faster starts and more abrupt changes of direction!
However, you need to make sure to wear appropriate shoes, otherwise, you can expose yourself to injuries such as:
- Plantar fasciitis;
- Metatarsalgia;
- Heel spur;
- Bunion;
- Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS);
- Achilles tendinitis.
Whether you are a road or trail runner, having cavus foot inevitably changes the way you tackle the terrain.
Fortunately, your podiatrist can offer you several solutions to help you fix this.
For instance, one of the main treatments is custom foot orthoses and fitted running shoes.
Cavus feet and walking
Even if you rather walk than run, you should be mindful of your cavus foot.
In order to avoid overloading your joints and muscles, be sure to choose running shoes with thick, cushioned soles.
Also, make sure to look out for any unusual wear and tear on your soles.
This could hint at your condition worsening or indicate changes in your walking posture.
Finally, your footwear of choice should be replaced regularly, just like your running shoes.
This can prevent any injuries and reduce the strain from walking.
