High Arched Feet
High arched feet are characterised by an excessively high plantar arch that concentrates pressure on the heel and forefoot. A custom foot orthotic redistributes weight and prevents associated pain and injuries.
What is a high arched foot?
A high arched foot, or pes cavus, is the opposite of a flat foot. It is characterised by an abnormally high longitudinal arch that does not collapse under body weight. This configuration leads to a reduced supporting surface: weight concentrates mainly on the heel and the metatarsal heads (forefoot), creating areas of excessive pressure.
High arched feet are less common than flat feet, affecting approximately 10 to 15% of the population. They may be present from birth or develop progressively. The cavus foot is often more rigid than the normal foot, which reduces its natural cushioning capacity and increases the risk of injury during walking and sports activities.
This condition can affect one or both feet and varies in severity. In mild forms, the patient may be asymptomatic. In more pronounced forms, the high arched foot leads to chronic pain, ankle instability and secondary deformities such as claw toes.
Causes of high arched feet
- Heredity: in the majority of cases, the cavus foot is idiopathic with a strong genetic component. Foot bone structure runs in families.
- Neurological causes: certain neuromuscular diseases such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, cerebral palsy, spina bifida or polio can cause a muscular imbalance leading to a cavus foot.
- Muscular imbalance: weakness of the intrinsic foot muscles or shortening of the leg muscles can accentuate the arch curvature.
- Trauma: a poorly healed fracture or ligament injury can alter foot structure and contribute to arch elevation.
- Plantar fascia contracture: a shortened plantar fascia can pull the arch upward and contribute to forming a cavus foot.
Symptoms of high arched feet
- Forefoot pain: metatarsalgia caused by the concentration of weight on the metatarsal heads.
- Heel pain: excessive pressure on the heel can cause talalgia or plantar fasciitis.
- Ankle instability: the cavus foot predisposes to recurrent sprains due to excessive supination and reduced supporting surface.
- Calluses: formation of calluses under the heel and metatarsal heads due to excessive pressure.
- Claw toes: progressive deformity of the toes caused by the muscular imbalance associated with the cavus foot.
- Rapid fatigue: difficulty standing for long periods or walking long distances without pain.
Treatment of high arched feet with foot orthotics
Custom foot orthotics are the cornerstone of conservative treatment for high arched feet:
- Increased supporting surface: the orthotic conforms to the arch and increases the contact surface between the foot and the ground, reducing pressure peaks under the heel and forefoot.
- Pressure redistribution: materials of varying densities allow body weight to be evenly redistributed across the entire foot surface.
- Cushioning: absorbent materials compensate for the lack of natural cushioning in the cavus foot, protecting the joints from impact.
- Stabilisation: the orthotic limits excessive supination and improves lateral stability, reducing the risk of sprains.
When to consult an orthotist?
Consult an orthotist if:
- You have recurrent pain under the forefoot or at the heel
- You suffer repeated ankle sprains
- Your toes are starting to deform into claws
- You develop painful calluses under the foot
- You have difficulty finding comfortable shoes
Our orthotists are members of the OTPQ and AOPQ. A complete assessment will determine the degree of your cavus foot and the most appropriate treatment.
Relieve your high arched feet
Book an appointment with a orthotist for a comprehensive evaluation and custom orthotics.
Frequently asked questions about high arched feet
What are high-arched (cavus) feet?
A cavus foot is a condition characterized by an excessively high plantar arch. Body weight concentrates mainly on the heel and forefoot, reducing the contact surface and increasing pressure in these areas.
Are high-arched feet serious?
Cavus feet are not serious on their own, but they can lead to complications such as metatarsalgia, recurrent sprains, plantar fasciitis and ankle instability. Early orthotic treatment prevents these issues.
How are cavus feet diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by clinical examination including posture observation, gait analysis and a plantar footprint test. The orthotist may also use a podoscope or 3D scanning system to assess foot structure.
Are foot orthotics effective for cavus feet?
Yes, custom foot orthotics are the first-line treatment. They increase the foot's contact surface with the ground, redistribute pressure and improve stability, significantly reducing pain.
Are cavus feet hereditary?
In most cases, yes. Cavus feet are often idiopathic with a hereditary component. In some cases they can be associated with neurological conditions such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
What shoes should I wear with cavus feet?
Favour shoes with a flexible sole, good cushioning and enough depth to accommodate a foot orthotic. Avoid overly rigid or flat shoes. Our orthotists can advise you on the right choice.