The high arch or Pes Cavus is represented by an abnormally high medial longitudinal arch.

Although less common than flat foot (Pes Planus), it is no less painful and in some cases can be more problematic.

There are Two types of high arch: Flexible and rigid.
The rigid or inflexible high arch will retain the high-arched appearance in both non weight bearing and weight bearing. This may also be referred to as a supinated foot.
The flexible high arch will appear more normal on weight bearing as the joints of the midfoot allow the foot to flex.

What causes a high arch?
There are a number of reasons why people may have high foot arches;

The condition may be inherited (congenital). Usually involving both feet (bilateral) and is evident from an early age.

In earlier years, there may be no symptoms due to the flexibility of the younger foot. However, as the body ages and joints become less flexible, these feet become painful and can also lead to pain and biomechanical problems in the lower limbs and back.

Trauma to the nerves of the foot or neuromuscular conditions such as Poliomyelitis and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can be some of the reasons Pes Cavus appears in later years.

Symptoms

• Heel or ball of foot (Metatarsal) pain.
• Calluses and corns may appear on the ball of the foot where undue pressure is exerted.
• Pain in ankles, knees, hips, hamstrings and low back due to poor shock absorption.
• Haglund’s Deformity – Hard lumps at the back of the heel, often known as “pump bumps”.
• Toes may appear clawed, as though they are grasping the ground.
• Pain in the mid foot due to stress on the mid tarsal joints and Plantar Fasciitis.
• Unstable ankle, resulting in frequent sprains.
• Morton’s Neuroma – damage to the plantar nerves of the foot.

Treatment

• Pes Cavus is not able to be prevented, so treatment is aimed at increasing flexibility of the midfoot where required and the use of prescriptive orthotics to support the arch and improve shock absorption by redistribution of weight.
• Off the shelf orthotics are usually unsuitable, due to the complex nature of the problem.
• Treatment of any corns and callouses to relieve pressure on the metatarsals.
• Surgical correction may be required in the case of complications such as Morton’s Neuroma.

Your shoes should always have good arch support with plenty of room in the upper for the foot to flex. A well cushioned shoe will help to absorb impact.

The Sportsphysio injury clinic specialises in gait analysis and biomechanics. Skilled thorough assessment is essential when treating gait problems, with every aspect of biomechanics taken into account from the foot to the spine.

The Foot Problem
As we walk, the foot strikes the ground slightly on the outer side of the heel.  Natural forces encourage the foot to roll inward slightly (pronate) before lifting off using the big toe as a lever. In effect, your foot acts like a spring.

In some feet, this leaning inward (pronation) of the midfoot and heel is excessive and causes strain to the joints and supporting ligaments of the foot.  Painful symptoms in the foot, lower leg and knee may develop with some of the worst cases causing pain in the lower back and loss of core stability. The “spring” effect of the foot is lost.

To prevent this from happening, the heel should remain vertical, the medial arch supported and pressure distributed evenly through the forefoot.

Of course, there are people who place too much pressure on the outside of the foot (Supination).  Although this is not as common, it can also cause foot pain and symptoms such as shin splints.

Many conditions such as heel pain, Metatarsalgia (pain under the toe joints) and Plantar Fasciitis are a sign that something may be wrong with the biomechanics of the foot.

The Solution
Sometimes the problem does not lie with the foot itself, so skillful analysis of your biomechanics, including foot, lower limb and back assessment is carried out.

Manipulation, adjustment and exercise programmes can help to rectify problems with the back or lower limb.

Core strength training can alter posture, leading to a more efficient gait (walking pattern).

Orthotics and specific exercises can be used to correct problems with the foot itself.

Prescriptive Orthotics
There are many types of orthotics (specially designed shoe inserts) on the market but where pain and dysfunction need to be rectified, the only solution is a custom build orthotic designed specifically for your foot.

We use high quality, state of the art materials which offer the opportunity to control foot posture and modify pressure distribution.

Orthotics can generally be custom built within a few days and you will be instructed as to their correct use to allow the body to adjust over a period of time.

Various type of orthotic are available depending on budget, from professionally tailored “ready to wear” right up to bespoke rightstride® D3D and RS devices, featuring the latest in EVA and  Co-polymer Carbon technology.

D3D Orthotics

D3D Sports/Active

The rightstride® D3D bespoke orthotics are produced in EVA.

This enables us to mix base and top material density creating support and comfort in one superb device.

These versatile devices have been PROVEN to remain effective in the harshest of environments as demonstrated by service men and women all over the world.

Neuropathic diabetic patients who require offloading of pressure also benefit from this unique orthotic with its amazing mix of material density.

RS Orthotics

Rs Marathon runner

The rightstride® RS bespoke orthotics are made in co-polymer carbon.

Ultra durable, with a blend of functional control and dynamic flexibility resulting in the shell flexing under loading while remaining semi rigid under normal load.

A solution to the most demanding fashion shoe is here in the fashion fit orthotic and rightstride® provide us with huge range of different devices from the classic to the summer and winter Sports activities.

RSscan Lab’s advanced foot scanning systems and foot plates give accurate gait analysis, foot pressure measurement that will help in foot pain treatment.