Is Subtle Cavovarus a Problem for Athletes?

center dot SCF deformity is a common foot deformity that is defined as an idiopathic nonneurogenic mild form of cavus foot. center dot SCF anatomical deformity is a combination of high longitudinal plantar arch, varus heel alignment, high calcaneal pitch, high midfoot pitch, equinus, pronation, and adduction of the forefoot and plantarflexion of the first ray. center dot SCF negatively impacts athletes and increases their risk of developing lateral ankle pain, recurrent ankle sprains, CLAI, peroneal tendon injuries, foot calluses, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, lateral foot ulcers, or even ankle and midfoot arthritis. center dot Peroneal tendon pathologies can be categorized into three main types: (1) tendinitis, (2) subluxation/dislocation, and (3) splits/tears. center dot Nonoperative management of ankle sprains associated with SCF should focus on proprioception exercises, neuromuscular control, and peroneal strengthening, in addition to the use of orthotics.center dot Brostrom anatomic repair with suture augmentation is recommended for chronic ankle instability in the athletic population, and calcaneal osteotomies are preserved for revision cases. center dot A high index of suspicion and a low threshold for MRI should be exercised in athletes with cavus feet who present with lateral foot pain to rule out Jones fracture. center dot Intramedullary screw is the recommended management of Jones fracture in the athletes. It results in higher union rates, shorter time to union, and greater than 98% RTP. However, athletes tend to have a worse performance for the following two seasons. center dot The mainstays of the conservative treatment of Achilles tendon tightness is gastrocnemius stretching programs. However, Achilles tendon lengthening is an important component of the cavovarus deformity reconstruction. center dot The MIS approach is a highly valuable technique to address SCF deformity and its associated conditions.