High arches, also known as pes cavus, describe a foot type where the arch between the heel and the ball of the foot is notably elevated and maintains its curvature even when bearing weight. This structural variation influences how weight is distributed across the foot and how it interacts with the ground. Understanding your arch type can provide insight into potential foot discomfort and guide decisions about footwear and foot care.
Visual Cues of High Arches
Observing your feet can provide initial clues about your arch type. A high arch typically shows a pronounced, elevated curve along the inner side, even when standing. This creates a distinct, visible gap between the midfoot and the ground.
When you stand, weight tends to concentrate more heavily on the heel and the ball of the foot, with reduced midfoot contact. The toes may appear bent or clawed. Examining shoe wear patterns can also offer a visual indication, as excessive wear on the outer edge of the sole may suggest a high arch.
At-Home Tests for Arch Type
A simple and common method to determine your arch type at home is the “wet test.” To perform this, you will need a shallow pan of water and a piece of paper or cardboard that can clearly show a footprint. Begin by wetting the sole of one foot in the pan, ensuring the entire bottom is damp. Carefully step onto the paper or cardboard, applying your full weight as if you were walking, then step off. Repeat this process for the other foot.
Analyze the footprint left on the paper. If you have high arches, your footprint will likely show only the heel, the ball of your foot, and your toes, with a very thin or absent connection in the midfoot area, indicating little to no midfoot contact with the ground. In contrast, a normal arch would show about half of the arch region filled in, while flat feet would display a nearly complete footprint of the entire sole. Another informal observation is the “pencil test,” where you attempt to slide a pencil underneath your arch while standing; if it passes through easily, it suggests a higher arch.
Common Signs and Symptoms
While some individuals with high arches experience no issues, others may encounter various discomforts due to the altered weight distribution. The elevated arch can reduce the foot’s natural ability to absorb shock, placing increased pressure on the heel and the ball of the foot. This can lead to persistent pain in these areas, particularly after prolonged standing or walking. High arches may also contribute to instability, increasing the likelihood of ankle sprains as the foot tends to roll outward during movement.
Conditions such as plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel to the toes) and metatarsalgia (painful inflammation in the ball of the foot) are commonly associated with high arches. Individuals might also develop calluses on the ball or heel of the foot due to concentrated pressure, or experience toe deformities like hammertoes or claw toes.
When to Consult a Professional
Self-assessment methods offer a preliminary indication of arch type, but they are not definitive diagnostic tools. If you experience persistent foot pain, discomfort that interferes with daily activities, or notice worsening symptoms, consulting a podiatrist or other healthcare professional is advisable. They can conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which may include a physical examination, assessment of your gait, and potentially imaging tests like X-rays, to accurately diagnose your condition.
Professional consultation is particularly important if your high arches developed suddenly or are accompanied by muscle weakness, as this could indicate an underlying neurological condition. A specialist can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate management strategies. These strategies might include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or physical therapy to alleviate pain and improve foot function.