How to Prevent and Treat Pain from High Arch Feet
High arch feet are a common condition also referred to as pes cavus or cavus foot. High arches refer to the longitudinal arch on the inside of the foot that runs from the ball and the heel of the foot. Typically, a foot rolls from the outside of the foot toward the inside when you step on it to help absorb shocks and deal with uneven surfaces.
But with high arches, feet do not roll easily. Instead, to compensate for the pain associated with this condition, people with high arches often stand and walk on the outside of their foot, potentially creating more health issues.
Abnormally high arches mean less of the foot makes contact with the ground due to a larger-than-normal gap between the two versus a moderately curved arch that creates optimal ground contact and weight distribution.
High arches are characterized by rigid and inflexible feet that hinder mobility and the ability to absorb shocks necessary for pain-free walking and running. Without adequate flexibility, uneven weight distribution on the ball and heel of the foot occurs, creating pain and instability.
High Arch Feet Causes and Complications
Some children develop high arches early in life naturally or as an inherited condition. Some babies are born with congenital muscle contractures, such as clubfoot, that can cause high arches as they grow.
However, high arches can develop anytime due to bone and nerve injuries or diseases such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, polio, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, diabetes-related neuropathy, and others. When it is due to neurological conditions, high arches are likely to worsen over time.
If it’s mild, high arches may not cause any issues. However, many people with high arches are also more prone to painful calluses, corns, claw toes, hammertoes, feet, ankle and knee injuries, including sprains and broken bones. Pain can also be caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, connects the heel bone to the toes, and supports the arch.
Other common complications are metatarsalgia, an inflammation of the ball of the foot that causes sharp and shooting pains, and peroneal tendonitis, an inflammation of a tendon in the outer ankle. Foot and ankle arthritis may develop over the long term as well.
Naturally occurring muscle weaknesses and imbalances in feet and lower legs may also contribute to the development of high arches. Until the problem is corrected, people with high arches may discover their shoes lose their form or wear out more quickly due to uneven shock absorption.
An accurate diagnosis is the first step in the right course of treatment for high arches. Working with a podiatrist or orthopedist is essential to finding the best solution that minimizes pain and restores mobility and stability.
Treatment Options for High Arch Feet
A podiatrist can diagnose high arches through a physical examination that checks the shape of the arch, shoe wear, walking patterns, and more. Sometimes, an X-ray or other tests may be needed to determine the cause.
The severity of the pain and instability will often dictate the type of treatment required.
One of the most common forms of treatment is orthotics that provide support for high arches. These form-fitted shoe inserts should have foam cushioning to provide maximum shock absorption, especially in the ball of the foot where pressure and discomfort are often the highest. They can also be flexible to avoid creating pressure points and should have a heel stabilization element to assist with proper foot alignment.
The orthotic should also fully contact the foot’s natural arch to lessen the overall impact of high arches. These inserts may also be paired with custom-made or corrective braces, splints, or shoes that could include a brace or high tops to increase stability.
Physical therapy that strengthens and improves muscle flexibility may also be prescribed. Over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also ease pain and swelling.
Another simple way to lessen the impacts of high arches is to maintain a healthy weight. Keeping extra pounds off reduces the stress on toes, feet, ankles, and knees, naturally lessening high arch pain.
Surgery to flatten the foot and correct major deformities in severe cases may be the recommended treatment. Other surgical options may include realigning other bones, replacing a non-functioning tendon, fusing bones together, or making small soft tissue cuts to relieve tension.
Rehabilitation after surgery is vital to its long-term success, meaning following your doctor’s post-surgical treatment plan is essential. That may include continued physical therapy or other exercises for as long as is needed.
Which Superfeet Insoles Work Best for High Arches?
To find the right Superfeet, start with your shoes. What type of shoes are you wearing? What are you doing in those shoes?
We think you deserve to experience the I-never-knew-my-feet-could-feel-this-good benefits of the Superfeet shape in all your footwear. That’s why we make insoles for casual and dress shoes, shoe inserts for high heels, insoles for hiking, insoles for running shoes, insoles for snow sports, insoles for skates, and more.
No matter your arch height, cushioning preference, or type of footwear, Superfeet insoles can provide that missing piece of support that perfectly fits between the contoured shape of your feet and the flat surface inside your shoes.
Need help finding the best Superfeet for you? Take the online insole finder quiz.