There are three types of foot arches. High arch, low arch and normal arch. High arch is congenital and cannot be "cured". However, there are many different types of devices available to help you minimise the risk of injury and reduce any pain caused by high arches. There are also different levels of arch height.
WHAT IS HIGH ARCH?
There are 3 arches in the foot, the inner arch, middle and outer arch, in the case of high arch it is mainly the outer arch that is referred to. The reason why high arch can be a problem is that the foot has too little contact surface with the ground.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HIGH ARCHES?
Having high arches does not necessarily mean that you have any symptoms. Instead, it is often the case that the symptoms arise after, for example, a sprain that leads to instability and recurring pain and swelling from tendons on the outside of the ankle.
The symptoms you feel are usually pain in the pads and in the heel. It is also common to experience a sore, tired feeling in both the heel and under the ball of the foot. In addition to problems with the feet, it is also common to have problems with the knees, hips and back.
If you have a high arch, you may also have problems with both inward rotation of the foot, known as pronation, and outward rotation of the foot, known as supination. This is because high arches increase the mobility of the foot.
High arches also affect the load on the front of the foot pads and the heel. You get problems because your foot has too little contact with the ground. The middle arch is then stretched into an arch shape. The increased load on the foot pads can also lead to crooked toes and, in the worst case scenario, a so-called hammer toe. Outwardly twisted feet can also indicate high arches.
It's important to realise that if you have high arches and don't treat your problem, it can cause further problems. The increased stress that a high arched foot puts on the pads of your feet can lead to crooked toes, which in turn can lead to hammertoes.
CAN YOU PREVENT PAIN CAUSED BY HIGH ARCHES?
If you have high arches, it is particularly important to wear stable footwear. An easy way to prevent high arch problems is also to use high arch insoles or arch supports. . Arch supports are designed to support the arch of the foot, giving your feet the support they need. This in turn creates a more even distribution of weight across the entire surface of the foot, eliminating misalignment and giving your feet the support they need. Both insoles and arch supports are available in different sizes and heights. One tip is to start with the standard and see if you need more or less relief. It is also important to renew your inserts from time to time as they wear out. Even shoes can be good to buy new as shoes are often used and can be seen as a perishable item!
