The arch of your foot refers to the area that’s between your heel and the ball of your foot. In some people, this arch is higher than what is normal which can cause a disproportionate amount of weight be to be placed on different areas of the foot.

This can cause problems down the line, ranging from occasional discomfort to permanent muscular and skeletal issues.

The best way to know if you have high arches is to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or podiatrist so they can run the appropriate tests and determine the severity of your condition.

Podiatrists can help you diagnose and treat your high arches to increase balance and support in the foot and ankle. The treatment plan will vary depending on your unique needs but may include:

Custom plantar orthotics- It Provide optimal arch support and redistribute body weight more evenly across the foot. This can reduce pressure in areas, relieve pain, improve the foot’s stability, and diminish any calluses that may have accumulated.

Manipulative therapy- This includes a combination of chiropractic, osteopathy, and manual medicine that helps to restore mobility to joints and bones. It can also relax muscles and ligaments, helping the foot to regain proper alignment and mobility.

Strengthening and balance exercises- Your podiatrist will often recommend a custom exercise program specifically designed to help strengthen weak muscle groups in the foot while also improving flexibility and balance.

High arches can cause several medical conditions to develop. These include:

Ankle instability- High arches can cause ankle instability that increases your risk of ankle sprains and other foot related injuries.

Claw toes- This condition occurs when your toes curl downward and dig into the soles of your shoes. This can impact the way you walk which can lead to complications down the line.

Hammertoes– When the toes bend at the middle joint, they create a hammer-shaped appearance. This condition can be painful if not corrected and may require surgery to resolve.

Metatarsal fractures- Due to the repeated stress placed on the foot from those with high arches, hairline fractures may develop in the bones.

Metatarsalgia– This condition is characterized by pain when standing or walking due to inflammation in the ball of the foot.

Plantar fasciitis– This is inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament that connects your toes to your heel. This condition often results in sharp heel pain.

If you’re diagnosed with cavus foot, there are several treatment options at your disposal. The best option for you will depend on your unique needs and should always be guided by an experienced and certified podiatrist. Treatment options may include:

– Bracing your foot and ankle for increased stability and support.
– Custom orthotics to provide more support and balance when you’re walking.
– Icing the area to soothe inflammation.
– Surgery for those whose pain hasn’t improved with nonsurgical treatment.
– Using over-the-counter pain medications to help ease pain and swelling.
– Wearing night splints to help stretch your arches and calf muscles while you sleep.

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from high arches in your feet, contact our team of podiatry specialists at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates. We offer treatment that is customized to your unique needs so that you can return to doing the things that you love. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Walnut Creek, CA, and Brentwood, CA. We serve patients from Walnut Creek CA, Brentwood CA, Concord CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Danville CA, Pittsburg CA, Antioch CA, Alamo CA, Oakley CA, and surrounding areas.