Cavus foot and shin splints
Cavus foot (high-arched foot) and shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) are distinct lower limb conditions that frequently share a biomechanical link, causing pain, instability, and exercise-induced leg discomfort.
How are cavus foot and shin splints diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis requires isolating the structural or biomechanical cause of your pain to distinguish shin splints from stress fractures or exertional compartment syndrome.
Clinical evaluation and imaging
- Biomechanical and gait analysis: A specialist physical examination of your foot structure, ankle stability, muscle strength, and walking or running gait.
- X-rays: Standard weight-bearing foot and ankle X-rays evaluate the height of the arch, bone alignment, and joint wear. Shin X-rays help rule out tibial stress fractures.
- MRI scan: Used in complex cases to check for deep bone marrow edema (early stress fracture), soft tissue tearing, or structural nerve involvement.
How are cavus foot and shin splints treated?
Treatment plans focus on correcting abnormal biomechanics, reducing impact loading, and restoring painless functional mobility.
The vast majority of patients achieve lasting relief through conservative therapies:
- Digital gait analysis and orthotics: Referral to a Fortius podiatrist for dynamic pressure scanning and bespoke, made-to-measure orthotic insoles. Insoles cushion high-pressure areas, support the high arch, and improve shock absorption to relieve shin stress.
- Activity modification: Temporarily switching to low-impact sports (such as cycling or swimming), gradually building exercise volume, and running on softer surfaces.
- Physiotherapy: Focused stretching for tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons, combined with strengthening exercises for the lower leg, ankle, and foot intrinsic muscles.
- Pain management: Over-the-counter or prescribed anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) alongside regular ice application (15–20 minutes several times daily) to calm acute inflammation.
Recovery and rehabilitation
For acute shin splints or post-surgical cavus foot repair, early priority is given to resting from impact, applying ice, and managing swelling. Surgical patients will be immobilised in a cast or protective boot. Stitches are checked or removed at 10 to 14 days.
Custom orthotics are fitted and integrated into footwear. Guided physical therapy introduces passive and active foot mobility, alongside progressive low-impact cardiovascular training (stationary cycling or pool running).
Rehabilitation shifts to progressive strength training for the foot, ankle, and core stabilizers. Controlled return-to-running programs begin under gait guidance, gradually reintroducing impact on softer surfaces.
Advanced agility, sport-specific conditioning, and high-impact training are resumed once full, pain-free strength and stability are achieved.
Working with professionals and teams
Our consultants support professional athletes, sports teams and active individuals with the assessment and treatment of meniscus injuries. Working closely with physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and the wider care team, they develop personalised treatment plans that support a safe return to sport or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or goals.
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic London
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore Street W1U 2SB
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT Scan
- Image guided injections
- Physiotherapy
- MAKO Robotic Joint Replacement
- Knee replacement revision clinic
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William Street EC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple Road SW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1H 6EQ
- 020 3195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
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