What is High Arch Feet

High arch feet is a condition in which the arch of the foot does not touch the ground when you are standing or walking. As a result, more weight is put on the parts of the foot that touch the ground, including the front, outer side, and heel of the foot.

The medical term for this condition is cavus foot. It can affect one foot or both feet. Having high arches can be painful and unstable.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

• Being born with a high arch in one foot or both feet.
• Being born with a foot that turns inward (club foot).
• Having a broken foot that does not heal properly.
• Having a nervous system (neurological) condition such as stroke, polio, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy. In this case, high arches tend to get worse over time.

Sometimes the cause of high arch foot is not known.

What are the signs or symptoms?

This condition can range from mild to severe. People with mild high arches may have few symptoms. More severe high arches may cause:

• An unstable ankle with frequent ankle sprains or strains.
• Pain when walking or standing.
• Calluses on the front, side, and heel of the foot.
• Toe deformities.
• The foot to drag (foot drop). This can happen if the high arch is caused by a neurological condition, which can cause the muscles that lift the foot to become weak.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on:

• Your medical and family history.
• A physical exam. Your health care provider will examine your feet and observe your feet while you walk and stand. Your provider may test your foot strength and movement.

X-rays or other imaging tests may be done to learn more about your condition.

If your health care provider suspects that you have a neurological condition, you may need to see a provider who specializes in the nervous system (neurologist).

How is this treated?

The goal of treatment is to prevent pain and stabilize the foot. First treatments may include:

• A shoe insert to support and cushion the foot (orthotic device).
• Supportive shoes with high ankle support and a wide base.
• A brace to support a weak or unstable ankle.
• Physical therapy to strengthen weak muscles and loosen tight muscles.

If these treatments do not help, you may need surgery. This is more likely when high arches are caused by a neurological condition that is getting worse.

Follow these instructions at home:

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Use a shoe insert or supportive shoes as told by your health care provider.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

If you have a brace:

• Wear the brace as told by your health care provider. Remove it only as told by your health care provider.
• Loosen the brace if your toes tingle, become numb, or turn cold and blue.
• Keep the brace clean.
• Do not let the brace get wet if it is not waterproof.
• Ask your health care provider when it is safe to drive if you have a brace on your foot.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You continue to have pain when walking or standing.
• Your foot or ankle feels weak and unstable.
• You sprain your ankle.

Summary

• A high arch foot is a condition in which the arch of the foot does not touch the ground when you are standing or walking.
• A high arch foot can be painful and unstable.
• This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam and other tests.
• Treatment may include shoe inserts, special shoes, bracing, physical therapy, or surgery.