Flat Feet & High Arches

What are flat feet and high arches?

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, occur when the arch on the inside of the foot is lower than normal or collapses completely, causing the entire sole of the foot to contact the ground.

High arches, also known as pes cavus, occur when the arch is higher than normal, placing increased pressure on the heel and the ball of the foot.

Although these conditions are very different, both can alter the alignment of the foot and ankle, leading to pain, instability, and an increased risk of injury.

What causes flat feet and high arches?

Many different factors can contribute to abnormal foot structure, including:

• Genetics and inherited foot shape
• Ligament laxity or hypermobility
• Tendon dysfunction
• Sports injuries or trauma
• Arthritis
• Neurologic or muscular disorders
• Age-related changes in the tendons and ligaments
• Muscle imbalances

Some people are born with flat feet or high arches, while others develop these conditions later in life.

What are the symptoms of flat feet and high arches?

Both conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Foot or ankle pain
• Heel pain
• Fatigue with prolonged standing or walking
• Difficulty exercising or participating in sports
• Ankle instability or frequent sprains
• Calluses or pressure points
• Changes in walking patterns
• Uneven shoe wear

Patients with flat feet may also experience:

• Pain along the arch or inside of the ankle
• Flattening of the arch
• Rolling inward of the foot

Patients with high arches may also experience:

• Pain in the ball of the foot
• Hammertoes or claw toes
• Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
• Increased pressure on the outside of the foot

How are flat feet and high arches diagnosed?

Your physician will perform a thorough evaluation of your feet and ankles, including an assessment of your gait, flexibility, and alignment.

Diagnostic testing may include:

• Physical examination
• Weight-bearing X-rays
• Gait analysis
• Evaluation of muscle strength and range of motion
• Advanced imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, when necessary

An accurate diagnosis helps determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and guides treatment.

How are flat feet and high arches treated?

Many patients experience significant improvement with conservative treatment. Your physician may recommend:

• Supportive footwear
• Custom orthotics designed to improve alignment and redistribute pressure
• Physical therapy and stretching exercises
• Bracing or ankle supports
• Activity modifications
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Padding to relieve painful pressure points

If conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms or if the deformity becomes severe, surgery may be recommended to restore alignment, improve function, and reduce pain. Depending on the severity and underlying cause, surgical treatment may involve tendon procedures, ligament reconstruction, osteotomies, or joint fusion procedures.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications and improve quality of life. With the proper treatment plan, many patients can relieve pain, improve mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy.

To request a personalized consultation, call Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists today.