High arches – It’s a term many people will have heard but not a condition with any standard measurement to define it. In order to be considered to have high arches, it simply requires that a suitably qualified professional observes that the arches of your feet appear higher than what is considered “normal” when standing.
That said, another good indicator of high arches is your footprint:
If you walk across a dry floor with wet feet and only your toes, balls of the feet and heels are visible (with a gap between the ball and heel), then it’s likely you’d be considered to have high arches.
Symptoms
As mentioned above, one of the key symptoms of high arches is that the arch of the foot continues to appear high even when standing. Other symptoms of the condition include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bent or clawed toes
- Calluses (patches of hard skin) on the ball, heel or side of the foot
- Foot pain when load-bearing due to the additional strain on other parts of the foot
- Frequent ankle sprains due to foot instability
- Inflexibility of the arch itself
- Tightness in the lower portion of the calf muscles
Individuals who suffer from undiagnosed high arches may very well have a history of foot pain and recurring ankle injuries, such as twists and sprains (brought about as a result of overall instability, caused by the arch height).
How to Cope
Non-surgical options are plentiful for the treatment of high arches and most sufferers of arch issues that are not caused by a neurological condition can expect to partake in most activities with little to no issues.
Orthotic Devices
Orthotic devices (also commonly known as simply “orthotics”) are devices that alter the mechanics of your feet. They might be used for support or immobilisation, depending on what course of action best suits your situation.
Many shoe companies now offer sports shoes with support built-in, specifically for people who experience foot instability and these can be obtained from most reputable, specialist sports shops. Trained staff will be able to offer gait analysis, often on a treadmill, for example, and discuss suitable running shoes for high arches. Shoes with in-built support will stabilize the foot and cushion areas that are especially loaded as a result of the arch abnormality.
Shoe Style
Look for shoes with a higher top that can offer more support to your ankle and with a sole that tapers out to be wider than your foot, therefore offering greater lateral stability and reducing the chance of sprains.
Night Splints
Night splints can be worn while you sleep to exert gentle stretching forces on the soles of your feet and relieve the pain of symptoms such as plantar fasciitis.
Prognosis
It’s important that you listen to your body and consider your limitations when increasing training volume as the stresses placed on your feet are greater due to the height of your arches.
Providing you seek out sound and proper advice, there’s no reason that you can’t enjoy pursuing your favourite sports and active past-times. Ensure that your footwear is adequately supportive for the activities you partake in and be sure to manage the symptomatic pain of the condition.