High Arched Feet

High‑Arched Feet (Pes Cavus): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment in Whitby

We provide assessment and treatment for high‑arched feet (pes cavus) at our Whitby clinic. Pes cavus is a foot structure where the arch is unusually high, placing excess pressure on the heel and ball of the foot. This can lead to pain, instability, calluses, clawed toes, and difficulty fitting shoes. Some cases are hereditary, while others are linked to neurological conditions.

What Are High‑Arched Feet?

Pes cavus is the opposite of flat feet. It usually appears in both feet and often begins in childhood. Sudden onset or one‑sided cavus may indicate trauma or neuromuscular disease.

High arches absorb shock poorly, increasing stress on the foot, ankle, knees, hips, and lower back.

Appearance of High‑Arched Feet

Instep looks hollow when standing
Weight is concentrated on the heel and metatarsal heads
Arch may be rigid or flexible
Forefoot may appear dropped when sitting
Heel may tilt inward (supinated position)

Causes of Pes Cavus

Normal anatomical variant
Hereditary foot structure
Congenital conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, clubfoot)
Neuromuscular disease (e.g., Charcot‑Marie‑Tooth, polio)
Nerve trauma

Neurological testing may include EMG, MRI, nerve conduction studies, or X‑rays.

Weightbearing Lateral XRay view of pes cavus foot

Symptoms & Complications

Symptoms vary depending on arch height, joint mobility, and activity level. Common issues include:

Difficulty finding proper footwear
Clawed toes and corns
Pain with walking or standing
Metatarsalgia (1st and 5th metatarsal heads)
Mid‑foot pain and stiffness
Morton’s neuroma
Plantar fasciitis
Stress fractures
Chronic ulcers (especially in diabetics)
Ankle instability and frequent sprains
Tight Achilles tendons
Knee, hip, or lower‑back pain

Treatment for High‑Arched Feet

Rule Out Neurological Causes

A careful evaluation is needed to determine whether a neurological condition is contributing to the cavus foot.

Footwear Recommendations

Cushioned shoes
Deep toe box
Proper arch support

Debridement of Corns & Calluses

Reduces pressure and improves comfort.

Pressure‑Relieving Pads

Silicone or felt pads help offload painful areas.

Weight Management

Reduces load on the feet.

Physical Therapy Modalities

Laser therapy for associated tendonitis.

Manual Foot & Ankle Mobilization

Improves joint range of motion.

Custom Foot Orthotics

Custom semi‑rigid or semi‑flexible orthotics:

Increase shock absorption
Redistribute pressure
Reduce supination
Support stressed joints and soft tissues

Over‑the‑counter arch supports may help mild cases but are often insufficient for severe pes cavus.

Prognosis

Outcome depends on the underlying cause.
Many patients experience significant relief with proper footwear and custom orthotics.

High‑Arched Foot Treatment in Whitby

We provide full biomechanical assessment, gait analysis, pressure mapping, and custom orthotic solutions for patients with pes cavus.

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