High Arches, High Instep
High Arches, High Instep - also known as pes cavus:
Most people have an arch along the inner side of the foot, leaving a gap between the ground and the foot. Some feet have a higher arch than average. This is the opposite of a flatfoot. In combination with a higher arch, the ankle may be "rolled" outwards slightly - this is the opposite of a pronated foot. Often this gets referred to as pes cavus.
When standing with weight on the foot, the arch will appear higher. The heel often tilted inwards at the ankle (but not always). In many the toes will appeared clawed. When not standing the front half of the foot (forefoot) will appear to be dropped below the level of the rearfoot.
High arch feet may just be a normal variant (ie some people just have higher arches), some may be hereditary (ie runs in the family) and in some cases there may be an underlying neurological problem that is causing it.
The symptoms of a high arch foot will vary depending on how severe the condition is and the activity levels of the person with it. Most will have no pain or any other symptoms. Symptoms may vary from a mild problem with shoe fitting to significant disability.
Some of the symptoms can include:
- there may be corns and calluses under the bases of the first and fifth toes.
- Shoe may not fit very well because of the high arch and the clawed toes.
- There may be some pain in the arch area, because of the pressure that it is under.
- The feet will feel stiffer and less mobile than a foot that does not have a high arch.
- An ankle sprain are more common in those with a high arched foot.
Have your questions answered by Dr. Michael Horowitz by calling 604-737-3668 or by filling out the form below. He will respond promptly.
Click here to load this Caspio Bridge DataPage.