Examination of the varus ankle, foot, and tibia.

A detailed clinical examination is an essential component in the assessment of the cavus foot. A complex interaction of pathologic conditions can only be assessed completely with physical examination. Imaging such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may confound the physician, such as in anterior talofibular ligament tears on MRI while the ankle is stable or arthritic joints that are asymptomatic but abnormal on imaging. At the end of the day, the physical examination supersedes all other investigations. After investigations have been performed, the patient needs to be reviewed and the results interpreted in light of the clinical findings. At this point the examiner will be able to determine what is significant and decide on an appropriate treatment plan.