High arch
Key points
- High arch, or pes cavus, is when the toe-to-heel arch of the foot is excessively elevated.
- Highly arched feet are much less common than flat feet and more likely to be associated with an abnormal orthopedic or neurological condition.
- Corrective shoes may help to relieve pain and can improve walking.
- The expectations depend on the underlying neurological condition, although in mild cases, appropriate shoewear and arch supports may provide excellent relief.
Alternative names
Pes cavus; High foot arch
Definition
High arch, or pes cavus, is when the toe-to-heel arch of the foot is excessively elevated.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
High arch is the opposite of flat feet. Highly arched feet are much less common than flat feet and more likely to be associated with an abnormal orthopedic or neurological condition. Neuromuscular diseases that cause changes in muscle tone may be associated with the development of high arches.
Unlike flat feet, highly arched feet tend to be painful because more stress is placed on the section of the foot between the ankle and the toes (metatarsals). Highly arched feet may make it difficult to fit shoes, generally require a foot support, and can cause significant disability.
Symptoms
- the foot length may be shortened because much of it is taken up in the arch
- difficulty fitting shoes
- foot pain associated with walking, standing and running
Signs and tests
- X-ray of the feet
- X-ray of the spine
- MRI of the spine
- electromyography
- nerve conduction studies
Treatment
Corrective shoes may help to relieve pain and can improve walking. This includes orthopedic modifications to the shoes, such as an arch insert and a support insole. Surgery to flatten the foot is sometimes necessary in severe cases.
Expectations (prognosis)
The expectations depend on the underlying neurological condition, although in mild cases, appropriate shoewear and arch supports may provide excellent relief.
Complications
- chronic pain
- difficulty walking
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you suspect you are having foot pain related to high arches.
Prevention
People with highly arched feet should be evaluated for underlying neurological and orthopedic conditions. Identifying these other conditions may help prevent or lessen impending arch problems.
Frequently asked questions
What is high arch?
High arch, or pes cavus, is when the toe-to-heel arch of the foot is excessively elevated.
What are the risk factors for high arch?
High arch is the opposite of flat feet. Highly arched feet are much less common than flat feet and more likely to be associated with an abnormal orthopedic or neurological condition. Neuromuscular diseases that cause changes in muscle tone may be associated with the development of high arches. Unlike flat feet, highly arched feet tend to be painful because more stress is placed on the section of the foot between the ankle and the toes (metatarsals). Highly arched feet may make it difficult to fit shoes, generally require a foot support, and can cause significant disability.
What are the symptoms of high arch?
- the foot length may be shortened because much of it is taken up in the arch
- difficulty fitting shoes
- foot pain associated with walking, standing and running
How is high arch treated?
Corrective shoes may help to relieve pain and can improve walking. This includes orthopedic modifications to the shoes, such as an arch insert and a support insole. Surgery to flatten the foot is sometimes necessary in severe cases.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.