High Arches

The sole of the foot is distinctly hollow when bearing weight, due to an abnormally high medial longitudinal arch.

Must Know About This

• Avoid shoes that are stiff or have an elevated heel, since they will prevent the arch from flexing naturally and focus more stress on the ball of the foot.
• High arches can be asymptomatic, but there can also be painful symptoms that are a result of lateral metatarsal compression, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, calluses, ankle instability, lower limb stress fractures, knee pain, iliotibial band friction syndrome, and back pain.
• Stretching and strengthening tight and weak muscles can help redistribute plantar pressure loading.

Good to Know About This

• The high arch is due to a plantarflexed (toes pointed forward) position of the forefoot and can be very rigid and less able to efficiently absorb shock.
• Although there are neurological causes of high arches, it can also be caused by unknown hereditary factors.
• The sole of the foot is distinctly hollow when bearing weight, due to an abnormally high medial longitudinal arch.