High Arches Are a Common Cause of Foot Pain
The arch - or instep - of your foot is the spot between the ball and the heel, where the bones fit together to lift the inner edge of the foot off the ground and support the body weight. Most people have a medium arch, the most efficient type for tasks such as standing, walking, running, or jumping. Some people have a low arch, also called flat foot or pes planus, which causes one set of symptoms; others have naturally high arches, medically called pes cavus, which can create another.
When the arch is atypically high, the ball and heel of the foot are forced to bear an excessive amount of weight. Pain and instability can result. High arches, which are less common than low arches, typically occur in both feet and at an early age. If the condition appears later in life, appears suddenly, or appears in one foot only, it is of particular concern, as it may be a sign of neuromuscular disease of trauma to the foot.
In general, pes cavus is a more bothersome foot type than a flatfoot. Less of the plantar surface of the foot is weight bearing, resulting in increased stress on the heel and the ball of the foot (metatarsal heads). During the gait cycle, feet with high arches are less able to absorb the shock of the heel strike and the soft tissues of the foot and lower leg are stressed. In order to continue walking, the foot transfers the shock of each step from the heel and arch of the foot to the ankles, legs, hips, and lower back. "Referred" pain can result.
Pes cavus may be initially asymptomatic but often becomes progressively symptomatic with age. Young people often begin to notice discomfort in their teen years, as their weight and activity levels begin to increase.
A high arch can be detected in children at various ages depending on the cause. Young people with high arches usually begin to feel foot pain in their teen years because of the increase in body weight that the feet have to bear.
Patients with high arches often find it difficult to wear shoes comfortably. Happily, your podiatrist can help with custom shoe inserts called orthotics, prescribed and made just for you.
If you are worried that you have pes cavus, or if you have any other concerns about the health and wellbeing of your feet, ankles, and lower legs, it's time to visit the foot doctor.
Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.