High Arched Feet

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What Are High Arched Feet?

A high-arched foot is the opposite of a flat foot. Instead of the foot rolling inward (pronating) to create a low or flat arch, a high-arched foot maintains a pronounced, curved arch, often resulting in more weight being placed on the outside of the foot.
high arched foot comparison to normal

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Are High Arches Good or Bad?

High arches are simply a description of your foot type and are neither inherently good nor bad. Similar to flat feet, high arches can have characteristics that may make you more susceptible to injury compared to a neutral foot type. However, having high arches does not necessarily mean you will experience foot pain.

What Causes Pain In Arched Feet?

With high-arched feet, the toes are often in a clawed position. This foot type tends to be rigid and lacks effective shock-absorbing properties. When the foot doesn’t absorb shock properly because it doesn’t roll inward enough, it can lead to symptoms such as shin, knee, heel, and back pain. These structures are forced to absorb more impact than they are designed to, increasing the likelihood of discomfort and injury.

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What Causes High Arched Feet?

The structural alignment of the bones in the foot is largely hereditary, meaning it is typically inherited from parents or grandparents. Certain neuromuscular conditions, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome, can also contribute to the development of high arched feet.

High Arched Feet Symptoms

High-arched feet are most noticeable when standing, as looking at your feet while they are off the ground doesn’t accurately reflect the foot type. In addition to a high or cave-like arch in the midfoot, you may notice the foot tipping outward slightly, toe clawing, and calluses on the heels or the ball of the foot. Finding well-fitting footwear may also be more challenging with this foot type.

How To Treat High Arched Feet

While a high-arched foot without pain or symptoms may not need treatment, when discomfort arises, treatment is often necessary. The specific treatment required will depend on your symptoms, and your podiatrist will create a personalised plan after a comprehensive consultation. This treatment plan may include:
  • Custom foot orthotics: These inserts are placed inside the shoes to control foot mechanics while walking, positioning the feet more functionally, improving shock absorption, and helping the foot adapt to uneven terrain.
  • Footwear changes: Modifying your shoes to ensure they provide adequate cushioning and do not push the foot outward.
  • Stretching tight muscle groups: Addressing muscle tightness is key to relieving symptoms effectively.

High Arch Feet FAQ's

Neutral, shock-absorbing shoes are typically the best choice for high-arched feet. It’s important to avoid shoes with excessive arch support designed for flatter feet, as these can push a high-arched foot further outward, reducing ankle stability and increasing the risk of ankle sprains and other injuries.
Due to the impact of the kinetic chain from the ground up, foot problems can sometimes affect the knees, hips, and back. However, this isn’t always the case. We strongly recommend scheduling an assessment with a podiatrist at Priority Podiatry Clinic to determine if there is a correlation between your foot issues and any discomfort in these other areas.
Yes, high-arched feet can impact balance and stability. Since they tend to be more rigid and less able to adapt to uneven ground, this can increase the risk of falls, particularly in individuals with other medical conditions or issues. The lack of flexibility in the foot can make it harder to maintain stability, further contributing to the risk.

Similar to back pain, issues at the foot level can affect the kinetic chain up through the legs and hips. However, this isn’t always the case, and a professional assessment from your podiatrist is highly recommended. They will consider other factors, such as gluteal strength, which can also contribute to unexplained hip pain.

No, high arches are not a cause of overpronation. Overpronation typically occurs in flatter foot types, where the foot rolls inward too much during walking or running. High arches, on the other hand, tend to be more rigid and may have the opposite issue, where they do not roll in enough to absorb shock effectively. To learn more about the causes of pronation, it’s best to explore conditions related to flatter feet and how they impact foot mechanics.

Yes, we successfully use orthotics for individuals with high-arched feet. Since our orthotics are custom-designed for each person’s feet, they can include features that address the specific needs of high-arched feet, such as added cushioning, shock absorption, and stability. This helps keep you more comfortable on your feet and can reduce the likelihood of foot pain and injury.

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