High Arched Feet

A high arched foot is just as it sounds - high arched.

Being the opposite of a flat foot, which may create a full foot imprint on paper, the very high arched foot only has an imprint in two distinct areas.  Another way to recognize the distinct highly curved arch is by looking at a side view of the inner side of the foot.  With a high-arched foot, the toes are often in a clawed position. 

A high arched foot tends to be rigid in nature and lacks good shock absorbing properties because it fails to roll in adequately just after the heel strikes the ground when you are walking.  Without effective shock absorption, symptoms such as shin pain, knee pain, back pain and heel pain may be suffered, because these areas are required to absorb more shock than they are designed to take.

Causes

Genetics:  Structural alignment of bones within the foot is predominantly inherited, so having high arched feet is generally inherited from parents or grandparents. 

Disease:  In some instances, neuromuscular diseases can cause high arched feet. For example; Charcot Marie Tooth Syndrome 

Treatments

Every person is an individual when it comes to structure and biomechanics. However in most cases a combination of strategies to support high arches can be found for each individual.  These strategies may include: 

  • Orthotic Therapy:

    • The use of custom-made inserts for the shoes. See bottom picture on right. 

    • The orthoses are placed inside each shoe.

    • This ensures the feet remain in a better functional position for walking.

    • It allows the feet to more readily absorb shock and adapt to uneven terrain.

    • In some cases a patient may opt for a generic heel inserts off the shelf. 

  • Foot Exercises: 

    • The type of exercise that stretches the tight muscle groups is demonstrated.

    • Advice on the intensity, repetitions and frequency regime will be given. 

  • Footwear:

    • Footwear Assessment and advice that is relevant to the person’s individual gait, their biomechanical assessment and lifestyle will be provided by the podiatrist.  

    • Footwear modification to give the foot greater cushioning will be discussed and recommended. 

  • Ongoing monitoring of the feet as they change with age and addressing any emerging Issues:

    • Our podiatrist will check in with you from time to time to map the progress you are making

    • S/he will follow up with a plan on ways to support any toe clawing that you may have. 

Answering your questions and concerns about the high arches is important to MyFamilyPodiatrist. We want you to be in the best position to actively address the issues and support healthier foot function.

Whatever approach is needed to improve your mobility, it will be a shared journey between you and our podiatrist, with your wellbeing central to the process..

Contact us on admin@myfamilypodiatrist.com.au 

Take the first step!