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HIGH ARCH

A high arch is one where the longitudinal arch is so high that upon foot strike, part of the foot does not touch the ground.   This leaves only the heel, metatarsal heads and toes to distribute the weight of the body during the step. 

A foot of this type is also known to have a “high instep” - where there is difficulty with some shoes being too tight or pinching at the top of the instep.

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• Pes Cavus
• Supinating foot
• Pes arcuatus
• Hollow foot

Symptoms:

• Pain in mid foot (longitudinal arch)
• Pain in metatarsals (ball of foot)
• Heel pain

Signs to look for:

• Arch portion of foot makes no contact with the ground
• High instep
• Calluses in metatarsal areas and on big toes

Possible Causes:

• Heredity
• Some neurological conditions create pes cavus feet

Goals:

• Support the arches
• Balance the weight over the entire foot during gait
• Take pressure off the metatarsals and toes
• Eliminate callusing
• Take shoe pressure off the instep

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift

• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• Extra depth shoes with firm heel counters, steel shank and rocker soles

• Bloucher style lacing shoe

• For exercising, wear shoes with titanium springs

• MBT physiological footwear with curved last

• Wear pumps and high heels only as long as absolutely necessary

• Avoid going barefoot or do so on a minimal basis only

Other: 

• Use horizontal lacing instead of cross lacing if instep is tender

• Regular callus filing with pumice device (leaving cutting of calluses to a physician only)

• Rotate weight bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling

Activities:

• Rotate weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling

This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care.  The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below.  Copyright 2005 Carole Romig

Sources  Image:  PFA, Professional Shoe Fitting (Pedorthic Footwear Association), Footsmart.com  Text:  B. Meanwell, CPed, R. Cailliet, MD, Foot and Ankle Pain