HIGH ARCHED FOOT-TYPE CAUSES AND TREATMENTS

What is a High Arched foot type?

A high-arched foot is also know as a pes cavus foot. It is a condition in which the foot has a very high arch. Because of this high arch, an excessive amount of weight is placed on the ball and heel of the foot when walking or standing, particularly under the 1st metatarsal and underneath the 5th metatarsal. A pes cavus foot can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms, such as pain, callus and instability. It can develop at any age and can occur in one or both feet.
 
Symptoms 
 

The arch of a pes cavus foot will appear high even when standing. In addition, one or more of the following symptoms may be present:

  • Hammertoes (bent toes) or claw toes (toes clenched like a fist)
  • Calluses on the ball, side or heel of the foot
  • Pain when standing or walking
  • An unstable foot due to the heel tilting inward, which can lead to ankle sprains
     

Some people with cavus foot may also experience foot drop, a weakness of the muscles in the foot and ankle that results in dragging the foot when taking a step. Foot drop is usually a sign of an underlying neurologic condition. 

Treatment

Treatment of a pes cavus foot type includes: regular debridement or treatment of calluses, and orthotics or insoles that have cushioning features to help with shock absorption that is usually not present in a pes cavus foot type. If you or a loved one has a high arched foot type and are experiencing signs and symptoms it is important to get your feet checked out - book an appointment with a chiropodist if this is you!

Brought to you by Doctor John A. Hardy, owner of Toronto's foot clinic, Academy Foot and Orthotics Clinic. 

 

PROFESSIONAL FOOT CLINIC

416-465-8737

Toronto, ON Chiropodist Academy Foot and Orthotic

752 BROADVIEW AVENUE Toronto, ON M4K 2P1 

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