High Arches & Foot Pain

High arches can be inherited or caused by a bone disorder or a neurological condition. The arch remains high and inflexible even when weight is put on it. While a normal arch is balanced and flexible and works with the tendons to support the foot, a permanently high arch prevents weight-bearing stress from being allocated properly from the front part of the foot to the heel area.

While high arches don’t always cause foot pain, they can cause other problems ranging from balance issues to foot deformities such as hammertoes, and calluses. Ankle sprains related to instability are common among individuals with high arches. Gait abnormalities may also result from high arches and can trigger further problems with the knees, hips, and back.

Treatment for High Arches

Since each patient has unique issues related to high arches, it is important to see a foot care specialist for a thorough physical examination of the feet and a gait analysis to observe balance and coordination issues. 

Treatment for high arches may include the following:

• Supportive shoes—Choose footwear with a wider heel base and robust ankle support for better stability. 
• Custom fit orthotic inserts—A variety of inserts and arch supports that are fitted to your foot profile will provide additional support and cushioning.
• Braces—Specially designed braces are excellent for stabilization and ankle support.
• Surgery—For difficult to treat cases and severe balance issues, surgery may be necessary.

If high arches are causing you pain and discomfort, contact your foot care professional today for proper treatment.

At Fit Feet for Life, our team of board-certified podiatrists have access to advanced technologies and years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including heel pain, sports injuries, toe deformities, nail fungus, and plantar warts.  Bonnie Sanchez, DPM, and Gregory Cook, DPM, provide high quality foot and ankle care to patients in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area at our five offices conveniently located in Sun City Center, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and our two Tampa locations. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.