High arch
Pes cavus; High foot archHigh arch is a foot arch that is raised more than normal. The arch runs from the toes to the heel on the bottom of the foot. It is also called pes cavus.
High arch is the opposite of flat feet.
Flat feet
Flat feet (pes planus) refer to a change in foot shape in which the foot does not have a normal arch when standing.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCauses
High foot arches are much less common than flat feet. They can be caused by a bone (orthopedic) or nerve (neurological) condition.
Unlike flat feet, highly arched feet tend to be painful. This is so because more stress is placed on the section of the foot between the ankle and toes (metatarsals). This condition can make it difficult to fit into shoes. People who have high arches most often need foot support. A high arch may cause disability.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Shortened foot length
- Difficulty fitting shoes
- Foot pain with walking, standing, and running (not everyone has this symptom)
Foot pain
Pain or discomfort can be felt anywhere in the foot. You may have pain in the heel, toes, arch, instep, or the bottom of the foot (sole).
Read Article Now Book Mark Article
Exams and Tests
When the person stands on the foot, the instep looks hollow. Most of the weight is on the back and balls of the foot (metatarsals head).
Your health care provider will check to see if the high arch is flexible, meaning it can be moved around.
Tests that may be done include:
- X-ray of the feet
X-ray
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - X-ray of the spine
X-ray of the spine
A thoracic spine x-ray is an x-ray of the 12 chest (thoracic) bones (vertebrae) of the spine. The vertebrae are separated by flat pads of cartilage ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Electromyography
Electromyography
Electromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - MRI of the spine
- Nerve conduction studies
Nerve conduction studies
Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Genetic testing to look for genes that you can pass on to your child
Treatment
High arches, particularly ones that are flexible or well cared for, may not need any treatment.
Orthotics that can be placed in shoes may help the symptoms of high arches. Corrective shoes may help relieve pain and improve walking. This includes changes to the shoes, such as an arch insert and a supportive insole.
Surgery to flatten the foot is sometimes needed in severe cases. Any nerve problems that exist must be treated and monitored by specialists.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outlook depends on the condition causing high arches. In mild cases, wearing proper shoes and arch supports may provide relief.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
- Chronic pain
Chronic
Chronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Difficulty walking
Difficulty walking
Walking abnormalities can be caused by many different types of problems. Problems with the joints, (such as arthritis), bones (such as deformities),...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you think you have foot pain related to high arches.
Prevention
People with highly arched feet should be checked for nerve and bone conditions. Finding these other conditions may help prevent or reduce arch problems, and other orthopedic conditions.
References
Goodbody CM, Winell JJ, Davidson RS. The foot and toes. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 715.
Grear BJ. Neurogenic disorders. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 87.
McClincy MP, Olgun ZD, Dede O. Orthopedics. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 22.
Review Date: 11/7/2024
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
All rights reserved.