Pes cavus (High arch feet)

High arches happen when the inner part of your foot rises higher than normal, shifting extra pressure onto your heel and the ball of your foot. Over time, this can lead to pain, ankle instability, calluses or frequent sprains. With the right care, you can relieve pressure on your feet and stay active and comfortable.

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Anatomy of the ankle and foot, showing ligaments, tendons, and bones, labeled for clarity.

Anatomy of the foot

Your foot's arch works like a spring, absorbing shock and helping propel you forward with every step. With high arches, the middle part of your foot doesn't flatten enough as you walk or stand, so extra weight lands on the outer edges, heel and ball of the foot.

This uneven pressure can strain the ligaments, tendons and joints in your foot. Over time, it may also affect your ankles, knees and back. High arches can be flexible or stiff, often affect both feet and may appear in childhood or develop later in life.

Overview

Symptoms

You may have high arches if you notice:

Pain along the outer foot edge, heel or ball of the foot during walking or standing
Frequent ankle sprains or a tendency for the heel to tilt inward
Calluses or corns on the heel, outer foot or under the toes
Toe changes like hammer toes or claw toes
Difficulty finding comfortable shoes or a shortened foot appearance
Fatigue, shin splints or lower leg pain from poor shock absorption

Symptoms often worsen with activity and may include pain that extends up the leg.

Causes

High arches can develop for several reasons, including:

Family traits: Sometimes high arches run in families or are simply part of your natural foot shape
Nerve or muscle conditions: Certain conditions can affect how your muscles or nerves control your feet
Muscle imbalances: Some muscles in the foot or lower leg may be stronger than others, affecting the arch
Injuries or previous fractures: Past trauma to your foot or ankle can change the shape of the arch
Aging or stiffening of tissues: Over time, tissues in the foot can tighten, increasing arch height

Risk factors

Certain factors may make high arches more likely, though having one or more does not mean you will develop the condition. These include a family history of high arches, an underlying nerve or muscle condition or a past foot or ankle injury. Your foot and ankle specialist can help you understand how your personal history relates to your symptoms.

Diagnosis

Your foot and ankle specialist will review your history, including family traits, neurological symptoms and activity patterns. Your visit may include a physical exam to assess arch height, flexibility, pain points and alignment, along with a gait analysis to observe your walking pattern and any instability. X-rays can evaluate bone structure and joint angles, and an MRI or nerve studies may be used if a neuromuscular cause is suspected. Your specialist will take the time to explain the findings clearly and recommend next steps tailored to your needs.

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We offer leading-edge treatments for most foot and ankle conditions, treating many with medications, bracing and injections.

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Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.

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