High arch

High arch is an arch that is raised more than normal. The arch runs from the toes to the heel on the bottom of the foot. It is also called pes cavus.

High arch is the opposite of flat feet .

Causes

High foot arches are much less common than flat feet. They are more likely to be caused by a bone (orthopedic) or nerve (neurological) condition.

Unlike flat feet, highly arched feet tend to be painful. This is so because more stress is placed on the section of the foot between the ankle and toes (metatarsals). This condition can make it difficult to fit into shoes. People who have high arches most often need foot support. A high arch may cause disability.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Shortened foot length
• Difficulty fitting shoes
• Foot pain with walking, standing, and running (not everyone has this symptom)

  Foot pain

  Pain or discomfort can be felt anywhere in the foot. You may have pain in the heel, toes, arch, instep, or bottom of foot (sole).

   

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Exams and Tests

When the person stands on the foot, the instep looks hollow. Most of the weight is on the back and balls of the foot (metatarsals head).

Your health care provider will check to see if the high arch is flexible, meaning it can be moved around.

Tests that may be done include:

• X-ray of the feet

  X-ray

  X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray particles through the body. The im...

   

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• X-ray of the spine

  X-ray of the spine

  A thoracic spine x-ray is an x-ray of the twelve chest (thoracic) bones (vertebrae). The vertebrae are separated by flat pads of cartilage called di...

   

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• Electromyography

  Electromyography

  Electromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.

   

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• MRI of the spine
• Nerve conduction studies

  Nerve conduction studies

  Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve.

   

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Treatment

High arches, particularly ones that are flexible or well cared for, may not need any treatment.

Corrective shoes may help relieve pain and improve walking. This includes changes to the shoes, such as an arch insert and a support insole.

Surgery to flatten the foot is sometimes needed in severe cases. Any nerve problems that exist must be treated by specialists.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outlook depends on the condition causing high arches. In mild cases, wearing proper shoes and arch supports may provide relief.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

• Chronic pain

  Chronic

  Chronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...

   

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• Difficulty walking

  Difficulty walking

  Walking abnormalities are unusual and uncontrollable walking patterns. They are usually due to diseases or injuries to the legs, feet, brain, spinal...

   

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When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if you think you have foot pain related to high arches.

Prevention

People with highly arched feet should be checked for nerve and bone conditions. Finding these other conditions may help prevent or reduce arch problems.