Since we are all unique, there are a variety of foot shapes. Perhaps you have been told that you have high arches; however, you do not know all that that entails. We can help you!
Our team at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus specializes in podiatry and has many years of experience. If you are experiencing pain, we can help diagnose if a high arch is the source and provide conservative or surgical treatment to provide the relief you need. Schedule an appointment with us today!
Visiting an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t mean that surgery is necessary. Our orthopedic doctors always prefer to use non-surgical procedures to treat injuries.
“You were prepared regarding my foot issues before you stepped in the room! I appreciated your knowledge, explanations and graphics to show me what we can do. You gave me hope today!! Thank you!” — Heidi C.
High arch feet (also referred to as Pes Cavus or cavus foot) are a common foot structure condition in which your arch (plantar arch) is excessively high. If left untreated, it could cause several complications. High arches are a less common foot arch type than flat feet.
The arch of your foot is located between your heel bone and the ball of your foot. If you have a high arch, you will have much more space between the floor and your arch than those without high arches.
When it comes to normal arches, the weight-bearing stress is evenly distributed throughout the entire foot. If you have a cavus foot, you may notice that you bear your weight on your heel, the ball of your foot, and the side of your foot, and your foot rolls through a step.
If you are unsure if you have high-arched feet, scheduling an appointment with a specialist can help.
Many people are naturally born with high arch feet/cavus feet, so your foot shape may be inherited (hereditary). Foot deformities can also be caused by several underlying conditions, including:
If you have high arches, you may experience the following symptoms:
If an underlying neurologic problem exists, your specialist will be able to identify it and provide the proper treatment.
Yes, having feet with high arches can lead to further complications. You may also develop the following conditions:
To determine whether you have high arches, your specialists will:
The following diagnostic tests may also be ordered:
There are a variety of treatments available to treat this common condition. Your specialist will guide you in determining which treatment option or combination of treatments would be best for you.
Treatment for cavus foot includes:
Having high arch pain is not something that you have to endure forever. Simple measures can be taken to help manage your pain, including:
If you have any concerns regarding pain in the arch of your foot, high arches or questions related to podiatry, call or schedule an appointment online for a consultation with one of our experts at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus today! We look forward to helping you with your discomfort.
Medically reviewed by Sarah Abshier, DPM, CWS
High arches, also called cavus foot, occur when the arch of the foot is unusually high. This causes bodyweight to be unevenly distributed across the heel and ball of the foot, which may lead to discomfort and instability.
High arches may be inherited or caused by underlying conditions such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, or stroke. In many cases, people are simply born with naturally high arches.
Common symptoms include foot pain while standing or walking, and toe deformities such as hammertoes and calluses.
Treatment options may include custom orthotics, bracing, physical therapy, supportive footwear, and night splints. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to correct the foot structure.
If you experience ongoing foot pain, instability, or difficulty walking, it’s best to consult a specialist. Our team at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center can diagnose the cause and recommend personalized treatment options to relieve your discomfort.
