Pes cavus (high arch) is when the arch on the inside of the foot is higher than what would be considered normal. This pes cavus (high arch) may be flexible, leading to a lower arch while standing, or it may be rigid, maintaining the high arch while standing. A flexible pes cavus (high arch) may lead to pain from strain, while a rigid high arch may lead to pain from a lack of shock absorption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What will I see and feel?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A high arch will be visible on the inside of the foot, as there will be lots of space under the inside arch. It may or may not be accompanied with heel supination, which is the back of the heel turning out. When this heel turns out, the wear pattern could be visible on the bottom of the shoes. Normal wear patterns on the heel is to wear down slightly on the outside. If this becomes excessive, that is considered supination (heels turned outwards). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common pain\nareas for those with high arches are at the heel, forefoot (ball of the foot),\nand the top of the foot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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A high arch\nmay lead to a bump on the top of the foot, called a dorsal exostosis. This may\nrub on certain shoes when the instep of the shoe is lower, or the laces fall\ndirectly across the bone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Causes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Genetics<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Pes cavus\n(high arch) is commonly related to genetics. If you have high arches, it is\nvery likely that someone on either side of the family have the same feet. It is\nmore common to have a genetic high arch versus acquired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acquired<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
It is more\ncommon to have an acquired flat foot versus an acquired high arch. This is\nbecause as we age, muscles weaken and other structures wear down. To acquire a\nhigh arch, surgery or a specific condition can create this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Charcot-Marie-Tooth\nDisease is a neurological condition that develops a high arch. This condition\nis hereditary and is slowly progressing, which creates muscle weakness and loss\nof sensation. If a family member has been diagnosed for this disease, check\nwith your doctor to determine if the disease was passed down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treatments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Orthotics<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Custom\northotics support the arch to prevent and relieve pain that is associated with\nhigh arches. Pain may develop from a lack of shock absorption, overworked\nmuscles, or worn out joints. Over the counter inserts are another way to\nsupport without the custom features. Over the counter inserts may be used to\nprevent pain or in children growing rapidly. When a pes cavus (high arch) is\naccompanied with supination, additional support may be necessary to prevent\novercorrection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because our\nfeet change over time, we typically recommend yearly checkups, and recasting\nafter five years or after a major change that may affect the feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lacing Techniques<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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When a dorsal exostosis (bump on the top of the foot) is present, painful pressure and rubbing can develop. One way to reduce pain from the shoe is to change the lacing technique. An effective technique is to omit the cross over lace on top of the prominence. Instead of using the eyelet (lace hole) on the opposite side, keep the lace on the same side to provide an opening for the prominence. To see a visual description of the technique, check out our YouTube channel<\/a> for the video<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Dorsal](\"https:\/\/ontheballorthotics.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/High-arch-white-back-2-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Lacing](\"https:\/\/ontheballorthotics.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Lacing-technique-skip-eyelet-e1582825475817.png\")
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