High Arch Overview
Learn About High Arch
High arch is a foot 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.
Pes cavus; High foot arch
High foot arches are much less common than flat feet. They can 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 include:
- Shortened foot length
- Difficulty fitting shoes
- Foot pain with walking, standing, and running (not everyone has this symptom)
High arches, particularly ones that are flexible or well cared for, may not need any treatment.
Orthotics that can be placed in shoes may help the symptoms of high arches. Corrective shoes may help relieve pain and improve walking. This includes changes to the shoes, such as an arch insert and a supportive insole.
Surgery to flatten the foot is sometimes needed in severe cases. Any nerve problems that exist must be treated and monitored by specialists.
Cnos PC
Phinit Phisitkul is a Podiatric Surgeon and an Orthopedics provider in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Dr. Phisitkul is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of High Arch. His top areas of expertise are High Arch, Hammer Toe, Flat Feet, Osteotomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Phisitkul is currently accepting new patients.
Alessio Bernasconi practices in Naples, Italy. Mr. Bernasconi is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of High Arch. His top areas of expertise are High Arch, Flat Feet, Hammer Toe, Osteotomy, and Bone Graft.
Harry Visser is a Podiatric Medicine provider in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Dr. Visser is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of High Arch. His top areas of expertise are High Arch, Tendinitis, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, and Ledderhose Disease. Dr. Visser is currently accepting new patients.
The outlook depends on the condition causing high arches. In mild cases, wearing proper shoes and arch supports may provide relief.
Complications may include:
- Chronic pain
- Difficulty walking
Contact your provider if you think you have foot pain related to high arches.
People with highly arched feet should be checked for nerve and bone conditions. Finding these other conditions may help prevent or reduce arch problems, and other orthopedic conditions.
Summary: The overall objective of the proposed research is to begin to better understand the potential benefits and limitations of ankle -foot orthosis (AFO) use in the context of mobility and balance during gait for individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). These benefits will be studied in comparison to those offered by surgical correction. We will accomplish by having subjects undergo mobility...
Summary: This study aims to explore and compare two distinct approaches to physical activity: functional training and dynamic play exercises, focusing on their effects on children's gross motor skills, physical fitness and balance. A randomized clinical trial will be conducted. The study will be conducted at Primary school of Lahore in a total duration of 10 months. Sample size will be 38. There will be tw...
Published Date: November 07, 2024
Published By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Goodbody CM, Winell JJ, Davidson RS. The foot and toes. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 715.
Grear BJ. Neurogenic disorders. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 87.
McClincy MP, Olgun ZD, Dede O. Orthopedics. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 22.