High Arched Foot

A high arched foot is a foot with an arch higher than normal. Surprisingly to many, a high arched foot can cause pain just as much as a flat foot. When a person has a high arched foot, the parts of the foot that normally absorb the pressures from the weight of the body are unable to do so. This results in more pressure on the heel and ball of the foot. Cause The following are common causes for the development of a high arched foot: • infectious disease • congenital deformity • neurological disorder For example, a high arched foot is associated with those who have developed Freidrich’s ataxia, polio, stroke, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, clubfoot, spina bifida, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder or stroke. Depending on the cause, a high arched foot can lead to other problems such as claw toes, hammer toes, plantar fascitis, and Achilles tendonitis. Treatment and Prevention Medical treatment may include braces, high arched orthotic inserts and cushioned arch supports, and heel support for shoes. These devices may lessen the pain associated with the condition. Hammer toes and claw toes may be prevented from developing by the purchase of shoes with a tall toe box.