Project Description
High Arches
High arches can develop in one or both feet, occur in all ages and can be inherited. We have an arch that runs along the inner side of our feet making a gap between the ground and the floor. The condition known as Pes Cavus is where a person has an arch which is higher than usual. As weight baring is not so evenly distributed along the whole foot people with high arches carry their weight more on the heels and balls of their feet.
Symptoms
This can cause stress and the extra pressure may lead to reduced stability, pain and give rise to such foot problems as plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, calluses, knee, hip and lower back pain among other conditions. Also, because the high arched foot tends to roll outwards (supinate), as it rolls through step there can be the increased risk of ankle sprains. High arches can also be caused by neurological or muscular conditions such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), spina bifida, muscular dystrophy or nerve or leg muscle injury.
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If you are concerned that high arches are causing you pain you should see a podiatrist who can check your gait during a biomechanical assessment and make a diagnosis of your condition.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to distribute weight across a larger area of your foot and bespoke orthotics might be appropriate as they can be effective in achieving this. A custom made orthotic will conform exactly to your arch, reduce pressure and help stabilise your foot. You will also be given advice for the best shoes to wear for people with orthotics and high arched feet.
Flat Feet
Flat Feet (Pes Planovalgus) is where the foot has an arch that is lower than usual. There is no particular cause for flat feet, it might run in the family or rarely the condition can be the result of injury, certain conditions affecting muscles, nerves and joints or the feet not growing properly in the womb. Flat feet are normal in many children, they usually last until 6 years of age and can self-correct.
The problem is if the condition persists and is associated with pain, stiffness, numbness or problems with walking, balance, feet or ankle injuries. In this case a podiatrist and a specialist biomechanical assessment can give a diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment can include footwear advice, exercises and it might be appropriate to have an orthotic which can be effective in treating discomfort.
Call 020 8348 5553 to make an appointment
Rachel Miller is an experienced podiatrist and a specialist in biomechanics who sees many patients with high arches or flat feet. Her clinic is in the Highgate Health Centre every weekend on either Saturday or Sunday and every Tuesday. Contact the Centre for an appointment on 020 8348 5553. For clinic directions and maps and go to the Contact page and for information about orthotics and biomechanics go to the Biomechanics page.
