Having high arches may seem like a normal part of your foot shape, but unusually high arches can sometimes lead to pain, poor balance, and difficulty walking. You may notice discomfort in the ball of your foot, recurring ankle sprains, or trouble finding comfortable shoes.
At Foot & Ankle Specialists of Eastern Florida, Dr. Lawrence E. Tamburino provides evaluations and treatment for high arch foot problems in St. Augustine, FL. Our goal is to identify the cause of your symptoms, improve foot support, and help you move with greater comfort and stability.
What Are High Arches?
A high arch, also called pes cavus or cavus foot, occurs when the arch along the bottom of your foot is raised higher than normal.
The arch helps distribute weight and absorb pressure when you walk. With high arches, more weight may be placed on the heel and ball of the foot.
This uneven pressure can make walking uncomfortable and may contribute to other foot and ankle problems.
Some people naturally have high arches without experiencing pain. Others develop symptoms that require treatment.
High arches can affect one or both feet and may become more noticeable over time.
Common Signs and Symptoms of High Arch Feet
Symptoms vary depending on your foot structure and the underlying cause.
Common signs include:
- Pain in the heel or ball of the foot.
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably.
- Frequent ankle sprains or a feeling of instability.
- Painful calluses beneath the heel or forefoot.
- Toes that bend or curl abnormally.
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods.
- Reduced balance when walking on uneven surfaces.
- Foot fatigue after everyday activities.
Some people also notice that their shoes wear unevenly because of changes in how their feet contact the ground.
What Causes High Arch Feet?
High arches may develop because of inherited foot structure, muscle imbalance, or an underlying medical condition.
Inherited Foot Structure
Some people are born with naturally high arches.
This foot shape may run in families and remain relatively stable throughout life.
Neurological Conditions
Certain conditions affecting the nerves and muscles can cause the arch to become unusually high.
One example is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, an inherited condition that affects the nerves controlling muscles in the feet and legs.
Other neurological conditions can also contribute to changes in foot shape.
Muscle and Tendon Imbalance
The muscles and tendons surrounding your foot work together to support its normal position.
When some muscles become weaker than others, the foot may gradually change shape.
This can cause the arch to rise and the ankle to become less stable.
Previous Injuries
Certain injuries involving the nerves, muscles, or bones may change foot alignment and contribute to a high arch deformity.
Because some high arches are associated with neurological conditions, identifying the underlying cause is an important part of treatment.
How Are High Arch Foot Problems Diagnosed?
During your appointment, Dr. Tamburino will review your symptoms, medical history, and any changes you have noticed in your feet.
Your evaluation may include:
- Examining the height and shape of your arches.
- Checking how your feet align when standing.
- Assessing ankle movement and stability.
- Testing muscle strength and sensation.
- Looking for painful calluses or toe deformities.
- Reviewing your walking pattern and footwear.
Weight-bearing X-rays may be recommended to evaluate the alignment of the bones.
If symptoms suggest an underlying nerve or muscle condition, additional testing or referral to a neurologist may be appropriate.
A careful evaluation helps determine whether your high arches are flexible, rigid, or associated with another condition.
High Arch Foot Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms, foot flexibility, and underlying cause.
Many patients can manage high arch discomfort without surgery.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics may help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot.
They can provide cushioning and support in areas that experience excessive pressure.
For some patients, orthotics can reduce discomfort in the heel or ball of the foot and improve stability during walking.
Supportive Footwear
Proper footwear is important for patients with high arches.
Shoes with adequate cushioning, stability, and room for the toes may help improve comfort.
Your podiatrist can recommend footwear features based on your individual foot structure.
Physical Therapy and Strengthening
Physical therapy may help improve ankle strength, flexibility, and balance.
Depending on your diagnosis, exercises may focus on improving muscle function and reducing the risk of ankle injuries.
Patients with neurological conditions may need a different rehabilitation approach.
Ankle Bracing
If your high arches contribute to ankle instability, a brace may provide additional support.
Bracing can be particularly helpful for people who experience repeated ankle sprains or have muscle weakness.
Pain and Callus Management
High arches sometimes place excessive pressure on certain parts of the foot.
Professional callus care, pressure-relieving inserts, and changes in footwear may help reduce discomfort.
When Is Surgery Considered for High Arches?
Surgery may be considered when high arches cause significant pain, progressive deformity, or repeated ankle instability despite appropriate nonsurgical care.
The type of surgery depends on the foot’s alignment, flexibility, and underlying medical condition.
Possible procedures include bone realignment, tendon balancing, or joint stabilization.
Not every patient with high arches requires surgery, and no single procedure is suitable for everyone.
Dr. Tamburino can assess your condition and discuss whether further reconstructive surgical evaluation may be appropriate.
Living Comfortably with High Arches
Some high arch conditions require ongoing support and monitoring.
Helpful steps may include:
- Wearing properly fitted, supportive shoes.
- Using prescribed orthotics consistently.
- Following recommended strengthening exercises.
- Monitoring changes in foot shape or balance.
- Seeking treatment for recurring ankle sprains.
- Attending follow-up appointments when symptoms change.
High arches caused by neurological conditions may change over time, making regular evaluation particularly important.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Consider scheduling an evaluation if your high arches cause pain, repeated ankle sprains, difficulty walking, or worsening changes in foot shape.
New muscle weakness, numbness, changes in balance, or a rapidly changing arch should also be evaluated.
Identifying the cause early can help guide treatment and reduce unnecessary pressure on the feet.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Arches
Are high arches a serious foot problem?
Not always. Many people naturally have high arches without symptoms. However, high arches that cause pain, instability, or changes in foot shape may need treatment.
Can custom orthotics help with high arches?
Yes. Custom orthotics may provide cushioning, improve pressure distribution, and support foot stability. They do not permanently change the underlying bone structure.
Can high arches cause ankle sprains?
Yes. Certain high arch foot shapes make the ankle more likely to roll outward, increasing the risk of repeated ankle sprains.
Can high arches develop later in life?
Yes. High arches may develop or become more noticeable because of neurological conditions, muscle imbalance, or certain injuries. New or worsening changes should be evaluated.
Where can I get high arch foot treatment in Eastern Florida?
Foot & Ankle Specialists of Eastern Florida provides high arch foot evaluations and treatment in St. Augustine, FL. Dr. Lawrence E. Tamburino offers personalized foot and ankle care at 432 Paseo Reyes Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32095. Call (904) 460-1120 for appointment information.