High Arches

Some people suffer from flat feet while others have the opposite problem which is high arches. There are several visible signs that indicate a high arch. When one looks at the side of the foot it is quite noticeable to see a curved arch. Some people find that the toes become clawed looking.

Individuals that have a high arch find that their feet are

• Not very flexible
• Not able to absorb the shock when their feet hits a hard surface when walking or running
• In varying degrees of pain that can extend to the knee or shin

The discomfort can also be felt in the heel or as far up as in the spine. This is because the foot is not able to withstand the impact as it hits a surface.

It is believed that high arches are hereditary as it has to do with the alignment of the structure of the foot. But there can be some diseases of the neural muscular system that can cause high arches.

Due to the discomfort that comes with high arches many people will seek out some type of treatment. One of the most effective of these can be the special inserts that go into the shoes, called orthoses. What these will do is help control the foot during walking and running. The device helps to create a better position for the foot and helps to absorb the shock. Individuals that use orthoses find that they are able to handle different types of terrains much more easily.

Having the shoes modified also gives an extra benefit of providing extra cushioning which helps to relieve some of the discomfort. In addition to these various forms of treatment some exercises may be beneficial as well. These are comprised of stretching the muscle groups that have become tight as a result of the high arches.

Individuals that do have high arches should seek out a quality Podiatrist to assist in the diagnosis and perhaps arrange for the proper orthoses or to set guidelines for the proper exercise.