High arches (pes cavus)
With high arches (pes cavus) the arch is high and often rigid. Weight is therefore mainly carried by the heel and the ball of the foot, over a small contact area. This causes pressure pain, calluses and an unstable ankle.
Symptoms and causes
- Pressure pain under the ball of the foot and the heel
- Calluses and corns under the forefoot
- Frequent ankle sprains
- Claw toes or toes pressing against the shoe
High arches can be congenital or related to a neurological condition; if the foot shape changes quickly, examination by a doctor is important.
How handmade insoles help
An insole that fills the high arch increases the contact area and spreads the pressure over the whole foot. Cushioning under the heel and forefoot and a correction on the outside add comfort and stability. For painful high arches, the scientific evidence for custom insoles is the strongest of all foot complaints.
What you can do – and when to see a doctor
Choose shoes with enough room in the forefoot and good cushioning, and stretch your calves and soles regularly.
If the pain does not improve after a few weeks, if there is swelling, redness or loss of sensation, or if you have diabetes or rheumatism, also have the complaint assessed by your GP.
Scientific evidence
- For painful high-arched feet, custom orthoses reduced pain and improved function clearly more than sham insoles, lowering pressure under the whole foot. Burns J, Crosbie J, Ouvrier R, Hunt A Effective orthotic therapy for the painful cavus foot: a randomized controlled trial. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2006;96:205-211. PubMed 16707631
- Cochrane review: the strongest evidence for custom orthoses is for painful high-arched feet, with further evidence for foot pain in (juvenile) rheumatoid arthritis, plantar fasciitis and hallux valgus. Hawke F, Burns J, Radford JA, du Toit V Custom-made foot orthoses for the treatment of foot pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(3):CD006801. PubMed 18646168
Trouble with your feet? We are happy to help.
First consultation usually within 1 week, in Oldenzaal, Denekamp or Losser.