A high arch foot, known medically as Pes Cavus, is a condition where the foot’s arch is significantly raised above the ground, even when bearing weight. This structural variation results in a foot that is less flexible and more rigid than a typical foot. The arch’s natural function as a shock absorber is compromised, causing weight to concentrate on the heel and the ball of the foot instead of distributing across the entire sole.
Visual and Symptomatic Indicators
A visibly high instep is the most straightforward characteristic of a high arch foot. When the foot is on the ground, the pronounced curve of the arch remains elevated and does not flatten out with the pressure of standing. This rigidity in the midfoot is a hallmark of the condition, meaning the foot does not naturally pronate or roll inward to absorb shock during walking.
The altered biomechanics often lead to observable deformities in the toes. Many individuals develop claw toes or hammertoes, where the toes are bent or curled downward due to muscle imbalances. The excessive pressure on limited contact points also causes calluses to form along the outside edge, the heel, and the ball of the foot.
Physical sensations are often related to this concentrated pressure. Pain is frequently reported in the heel or the ball of the foot, especially after standing or walking. Due to the tendency to walk on the outside edge of the foot, called supination, many people experience instability and an increased risk of spraining the ankle. Finding comfortable footwear can also be a challenge, as the rigid structure may not fit well into standard shoe designs.
Simple At-Home Assessment Methods
To understand your arch type, perform the simple Wet Test at home. Wet the sole of your foot and step firmly onto an absorbent material, such as a brown paper bag or cardboard, ensuring your full weight is applied. The resulting footprint indicates how your weight is distributed across the sole.
A high arch footprint exhibits a distinct pattern where only the heel and the ball of the foot are clearly visible. There will be a significant gap, or at most a very thin line, connecting the front and back portions of the foot, indicating the minimal contact the midfoot makes with the ground. This contrasts sharply with a neutral foot, which shows a moderate curve, or a flat foot, which shows the entire sole.
Examining your most-worn shoes is another way to assess foot mechanics. High arch feet often cause excessive wear on the outer, or lateral, side of the shoe’s sole and heel. This wear pattern confirms the supination gait, where the foot rolls outward as you walk. A simple rigidity check involves sitting down and attempting to gently flatten your arch; a true high arch foot will not significantly collapse or flatten when non-weight-bearing.
Common Associated Foot Conditions
The altered mechanics of a high arch foot predispose individuals to several related orthopedic issues. One common complaint is plantar fasciitis, which involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. The increased tension on this structure, due to the foot’s rigid arch, can lead to pain, particularly near the heel.
The concentration of pressure on the forefoot often leads to metatarsalgia, a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot. This discomfort results from the metatarsal bones bearing an undue proportion of the body’s weight. The inherent instability can also cause chronic ankle instability, leading to frequent ankle sprains because the heel often tilts inward, compromising balance.