High arch feet
High arches are exactly what they sound like. The arch of your foot is very pronounced and doesn’t touch the ground when you stand evenly on both feet. This puts added pressure on the ball and heel of your foot.
You may have heard high arches referred to as “pes cavus,” which means “hollow foot” in Latin. If you take the wet footprint test, you’ll see why. The impression of your wet footprint is just your heel and the ball of your foot, with a mid-foot that doesn’t leave a mark.
High arch feet may be genetic, or they may be caused by a number of underlying conditions. People with high arches may experience pain, and in some cases, permanent damage to their foot structure. There are several treatments available, including orthotics, splints, physical therapy and surgery.
- High arches don’t touch the ground when you stand evenly on both feet, concentrating your weight on your heels and the balls of your feet. That can lead to pain, corns and calluses, arch stiffness, and tight calf muscles.
- High arches usually run in families, but if you develop them over a short period of time, see a doctor.
- Properly supporting your high arches can help you avoid the common foot problems associated with them.