Specialista in Ortopedia Pediatrica
Cavus foot (high arch)
Home Exercise Program
Not every exercise listed here is suitable for every child: the selection is individual and is defined during the consultation.
1.Ball massage (plantar fascia and arch)
Relaxes the tight plantar fascia typical of cavus foot
Use a tennis ball or specific massage ball (harder). Sit on chair with bare foot on ball. Roll ball back and forth along entire sole, from arch to heel. Apply moderate but comfortable pressure. Focus more on tighter areas. For greater decontracting effect, use frozen ball (put tennis ball in freezer).
3-5 minutes per foot, 1-2 times daily. Ideal before other exercises
2.Plantar fascia stretch (passive)
Stretches the plantar fascia and rigid plantar structures
Seated, cross leg to treat over other. Grasp toe base with one hand and gently pull toward shin (toe dorsiflexion). With other hand, can palpate plantar fascia under arch - should feel tight like a cord. Hold position without forcing, breathing normally.
3 × 30 seconds per foot, morning and evening
3.Calf stretch (gastrocnemius and soleus)
Improves ankle flexibility, often limited in cavus foot
Facing wall, hands on it. Leg to stretch behind with heel on ground and toe straight. FOR GASTROCNEMIUS: knee completely straight. FOR SOLEUS: knee slightly bent. Push hips forward until feeling tension in back of leg. Heel must stay on ground.
3 × 30 seconds per position, per leg. Repeat 2-3 times daily
4.Toe mobilization
Maintains toe flexibility often stiff in cavus foot
Sit and grasp each toe individually. Gently move each toe: up and down, sideways, and small rotations. Focus on toes that seem stiffer. Then try to actively spread toes (without hands) as if wanting to "widen" them. Simple but important exercise to maintain mobility.
1-2 minutes per foot, daily
5.Intrinsic muscle strengthening (short-foot and toe yoga)
Strengthens small foot muscles to improve control
SHORT-FOOT: Standing or seated, "shorten" foot creating dome with arch without curling toes. Toes must stay flat! Hold 5-10 seconds. TOE YOGA: Lift only big toe keeping others down, then reverse. Alternate with control. These strengthen deep foot muscles for stability.
10 reps per exercise, twice daily
6.Object pick-up with toes
Functional foot muscle strengthening in playful way
Scatter small objects on floor: marbles, pencils, balls, fabric pieces. Standing or seated, pick them up one at a time using ONLY toes and place in container. Focus on actively curling toes to grasp. Advanced: try with objects of different sizes and shapes, or pass object between feet.
10-15 objects per foot, once daily
7.Balance on unstable surfaces
Improves proprioception often reduced in cavus foot
PROGRESSION: 1) Single-leg balance on solid floor, 30 seconds each side. 2) Same on soft surface (cushion, folded mat). 3) Same on wobble board or balance board. 4) Add eyes closed at each level. Progress to next level only when previous is stable. Always have support nearby for safety.
3 × 30-60 seconds each side, at each reached level
RED FLAGS - When to stop and contact the doctor immediately
Stop the exercises immediately and contact the specialist (or go to the emergency department if severe) if any of the following occur:
- Acute or sudden pain during exercise
- Significant swelling after exercises
- Pain that progressively worsens over days
- Fever or general malaise
- Difficulty walking or using the limb after exercises
- Any neurological symptoms (tingling, numbness, sudden weakness)
- Fever, redness or warmth of the joint, or inability to bear weight
In case of doubt, always prefer a check-up over continuing the exercises.
Dott. Daniele Priano
Ortopedia Pediatrica - ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO
ortopediaevolutiva.com • 26/08/2026
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MioDottoreBefore You Start
Who is this guide for?
Children with cavus foot, after neurological evaluation if indicated. Exercises aim to improve flexibility and balance.
What you need
Clear floor space, mat or soft surface, comfortable clothing. Some exercises may require resistance bands or supports.
Suggested frequency
Usually 1-2 times daily, as directed during the visit. Consistency is more important than intensity.
Common mistakes to avoid
- •Performing exercises too quickly without control
- •Pushing beyond the pain threshold
- •Skipping days or doing occasional very long sessions
- •Not warming up before strengthening exercises
⚠️ Red flags — when to stop and contact the doctor immediately
Stop exercises immediately and contact the specialist if any of the following occur:
- Acute or sudden pain during exercise
- Significant swelling after exercises
- Pain that progressively worsens over days
- Fever or general malaise
- Difficulty walking or using the limb after exercises
- Any neurological symptoms (tingling, numbness, sudden weakness)
Detailed Exercises
- 1
Ball massage (plantar fascia and arch)
Relaxes the tight plantar fascia typical of cavus foot
Use a tennis ball or specific massage ball (harder). Sit on chair with bare foot on ball. Roll ball back and forth along entire sole, from arch to heel. Apply moderate but comfortable pressure. Focus more on tighter areas. For greater decontracting effect, use frozen ball (put tennis ball in freezer).
3-5 minutes per foot, 1-2 times daily. Ideal before other exercises - 2
Plantar fascia stretch (passive)
Stretches the plantar fascia and rigid plantar structures
Seated, cross leg to treat over other. Grasp toe base with one hand and gently pull toward shin (toe dorsiflexion). With other hand, can palpate plantar fascia under arch - should feel tight like a cord. Hold position without forcing, breathing normally.
3 × 30 seconds per foot, morning and evening - 3
Calf stretch (gastrocnemius and soleus)
Improves ankle flexibility, often limited in cavus foot
Facing wall, hands on it. Leg to stretch behind with heel on ground and toe straight. FOR GASTROCNEMIUS: knee completely straight. FOR SOLEUS: knee slightly bent. Push hips forward until feeling tension in back of leg. Heel must stay on ground.
3 × 30 seconds per position, per leg. Repeat 2-3 times daily - 4
Toe mobilization
Maintains toe flexibility often stiff in cavus foot
Sit and grasp each toe individually. Gently move each toe: up and down, sideways, and small rotations. Focus on toes that seem stiffer. Then try to actively spread toes (without hands) as if wanting to "widen" them. Simple but important exercise to maintain mobility.
1-2 minutes per foot, daily - 5
Intrinsic muscle strengthening (short-foot and toe yoga)
Strengthens small foot muscles to improve control
SHORT-FOOT: Standing or seated, "shorten" foot creating dome with arch without curling toes. Toes must stay flat! Hold 5-10 seconds. TOE YOGA: Lift only big toe keeping others down, then reverse. Alternate with control. These strengthen deep foot muscles for stability.
10 reps per exercise, twice daily - 6
Object pick-up with toes
Functional foot muscle strengthening in playful way
Scatter small objects on floor: marbles, pencils, balls, fabric pieces. Standing or seated, pick them up one at a time using ONLY toes and place in container. Focus on actively curling toes to grasp. Advanced: try with objects of different sizes and shapes, or pass object between feet.
10-15 objects per foot, once daily - 7
Balance on unstable surfaces
Improves proprioception often reduced in cavus foot
PROGRESSION: 1) Single-leg balance on solid floor, 30 seconds each side. 2) Same on soft surface (cushion, folded mat). 3) Same on wobble board or balance board. 4) Add eyes closed at each level. Progress to next level only when previous is stable. Always have support nearby for safety.
3 × 30-60 seconds each side, at each reached level
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes cavus foot in children?
Cavus foot can be idiopathic (unknown cause), hereditary, or secondary to neurological conditions. In children, specialist evaluation is important to exclude underlying causes and set up correct treatment.
Does cavus foot cause pain?
Cavus foot can cause pain due to non-optimal load distribution on the foot, with more pressure on heel and metatarsals. Stretching and strengthening exercises help improve flexibility and weight distribution.
Are orthotics needed for cavus foot?
Soft orthotics with metatarsal support can help distribute load better and reduce pain. The decision is made based on individual clinical evaluation. Exercises are still essential for maintaining flexibility.