Overview

Your foot's arch is between the foot's ball and heel. With this condition, the arch is higher than normal. It doesn't touch the ground when you stand. This means all of your weight is put on the ball and heel of your foot. This can lead to pain and other issues.

Causes

What causes high arches? Some people inherit high arches, and they're born with them. But they can also develop over time. One or both feet may be affected. High arches can be linked to a problem with the nervous system. They may be linked to conditions such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Ask your doctor for a full list of causes.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms? You have more space than normal between your foot's arch and the floor. Your heel may tilt inward. Your toes may point downward. You may have foot pain, especially when you're active. You may develop corns or calluses. And it may be hard for you to find shoes that fit.

Treatment

How do we treat this condition? You may benefit from things like orthotics, braces, night splints and supportive shoes. Icing and medication can relieve pain. If these options don't help, you may need surgery. And if you have high arches that are linked to another condition, we may need to treat the underlying cause. Your doctor will create a plan that's right for you.