Foot with high arch is a relatively common condition, which can have multiple impacts on the sufferer’s daily life. It also usually results in foot pain. However, with proper treatment, it is possible to deal with the symptoms of high arches in the foot.
What is foot with high arch
Foot with high arch or cavus foot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is too pronounced and, therefore, when the feet are placed on the ground, they do not touch the ground directly. Thus, it is the opposite condition to flat feet, and although flat feet are more common, foot with high arch is still quite common.
High arches can appear at any time in life; however, they are usually detected in adolescence. In addition, this condition adds pressure on other parts of the foot such as the heel.
Symptoms of foot with high arch
There are several symptoms by which the existence of high arches in the foot can be identified. First, there may be difficulty in finding shoes that are comfortable.
Secondly, when you have a foot with high arch, there is pain in the foot after walking, standing for long periods of time or exercising.
In addition, calluses may appear on the heel or ball of the foot, due to the extra pressure of the high arches.
There are also certain high arch foot problems that can develop over time. Among them are metatarsalgia, which is inflammation in the ball of the foot and causes pain; fasciitis, which is inflammation of the ligament of the toes and heel; toe afflictions, especially those that cause the feet to curl into the shoes; and ankle sprains.
How to identify the foot with a high arch?
Cavus foot is easy to identify on your own and there are several home methods, however, it is usual for a podiatrist to perform other tests to confirm high arches.
For this one, you can take a firm cardboard and a bucket of water. This way, you should wet your feet and then stand on the cardboard. If you have a foot with high arch, your footprint will only show your toes and heel, not the midfoot.
On the other hand, a doctor or podiatrist may perform other tests to check how deep the high arches in your foot are. For example, he or she may order an X-ray exam or palpate your foot.
Cavus foot is usually caused by a neurological disorder or inherited from their parents.
Causes of foot with high arch
The causes of foot with high arch are varied; however, they can be summarized in two main ones: genetics and neurological conditions. Thus, if your parents or other relatives suffer from high arches in the foot, there is a possibility that you may also suffer from this condition.
Neurological conditions that cause cavus foot include spina bifida, polio, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, stroke, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, among others.
Treatments for high arch foot problems
Because it is relatively common, there are several options for the treatment of foot with high arch. However, how to proceed will depend on the podiatrist’s assessment and the flexibility of the feet.
The simplest home treatment is ice. It can reduce the swelling caused by pressure on the foot with high arch, as well as relieve pain.
On the other hand, orthopedic insoles can be used to help with foot positioning. These can be custom-made with the assistance of a professional. A podiatrist may also prescribe splints to help with pain.
Finally, and in the most severe cases, there is the possibility of surgery. In this, the tissue or bone structure is manipulated to correct the problem.
If you suspect you have a foot with a high arch, you can consult with the professionals at Podiatrique DuVernay in the Montreal area.