High arch

• Alternative names
• Definition
• Causes, incidence, and risk factors
• Symptoms
• Signs and tests

• Treatment
• Expectations (prognosis)
• Complications
• Calling your health care provider
• Prevention

Alternative names   

Definition    Return to top

High arch, or pes cavus, is an excessively elevated toe-to-heel arch of the foot.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top

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 generally make it difficult to fit shoes. In addition, pes cavus generally requires foot support, and may cause significant disability.

Symptoms    Return to top

• Foot length may be shortened because much of it is taken up in the arch
• There may be difficulty fitting shoes
• There may be foot pain associated with walking, standing and running

Signs and tests    Return to top

• X-ray of the feet
• X-ray of the spine
• MRI of the spine
• Electromyography
• Nerve conduction studies

Treatment    Return to top

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. Any underlying neurological problems, if present, must be treated by appropriate specialists.

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

The expectations depend on the underlying neurological condition, although in mild cases, appropriate shoewear and arch supports may provide welcome relief.

Complications    Return to top

• Chronic pain
• Difficulty walking

Calling your health care provider    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you suspect you are having foot pain related to high arches.

Prevention    Return to top

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.