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High Arch Foot

High arched foot, otherwise known as pes cavus, is an arch that is raised more than normal. The high arch may be located along the medial border (inside of the foot) of the foot or across the entire midfoot.

What Causes High Arched Foot

Most commonly, a high arch foot is genetic and should not be considered a problem in most circumstances. In certain circumstances there maybe no family history and this high arched foot is a natural variant. There are certain neurological disorders that may cause muscle imbalance and a high arched foot to develop.

Neuromuscular disorders commonly associated with high arch foot include:

  • Spina bifida
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
  • Polio
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Stroke
  • Trauma

What Are The Common Symptoms Of High Arched Foot

Common symptoms associated with high arch feet include:

  • Corns or calluses
  • An inward tilting heel
  • Trouble fitting shoes well (high instep)
  • Foot pain, especially when weight bearing
  • Toes that are bent when standing
  • Knee, hip and back pain
  • Ankle sprains
  • Pain in balls of feet

What Types of Orthotics Might Be Effective

Interventions commonly used in helping children with high arched feet include:

  • Insoles
  • Bespoke footwear
  • Splints
  • Night splints
  • Surgery
  • Medication

How Can Children’s Orthotics Help?

In some cases, high arch foot is static and in other cases it is progressive. It is important to establish the cause before any treatment can begin. Consultation with one of our experienced paediatric orthotists is advised before any intervention can be considered.

Insoles - Insoles are an effective treatment that can reduce or prevent symptoms of high arch foot. Children’s Orthotics are able to provide fully bespoke insoles, designed to accommodate your child’s foot. They can be made out of composite materials to ensure both comfort and support at the same time

Custom footwear - We understand that finding adequate footwear can be challenging. Children’s Orthotics have a high range of custom made footwear that can allow for the height of the instep and take pressure off deformities.

Splints - Well fitted splints around the foot and ankle can provide stability, support and comfort in high arched feet. Children’s Orthotics have access to a wide range of splints that can be custom designed to fit your child.

Night splints - Resting splints help support and align the foot to the optimal position when resting. The resting splint allows a prolonged stretch of the muscle that may prevent or slow down deformities.

What Might the Assessment Procedure Involve

In the first instance, an appointment would be made with an orthotist in which a full initial assessment would be conducted. Areas assessed would look at:

  • Skin condition
  • Sensation in the foot and ankle
  • Temperature
  • Ranges of motion (passive and active)
  • Medial arch of the foot
  • Footwear (wear patterns)

Your orthotist will ask you questions about your child’s daily activities and medical history. The paediatric orthotist will undertake a gait examination and watch them walk, paying attention to movements at their affected joints and making observations of how their body moves. Following this, your child’s treatment options and goals will be discussed and a prescription made. Any devices that are required will be fabricated using materials chosen specifically to meet their requirements and then a fitting session arranged. All of our prescriptions and fittings are followed by a review to ensure that your child’s treatment is effective and any adjustments can be made.

To get in touch or arrange an appointment, you can call us at 0330 088 3949 or email office@orthotics.co.uk.

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