1. Catch the Symptoms Early
High arch or instep could be considered the opposite of flat feet. There is really no way to prevent a high arch. You are either born with it or not. You can, however, catch it early and take precautions to prevent it from becoming a bigger problem. Since high arch often leads to toes curving in and sometimes pain or discomfort on the balls of the feet, you should look for these symptoms first. If you have trouble finding shoes that fit because they seem to press too hard on the upper part of your feet, this could also indicate an instep problem.
2. Dismiss Neurological Problems
The only diseases that can cause high arch are those associated with neurological conditions. Anything that affects muscle tone and condition may lead to an adjustment of the ligaments that hold the foot together, thus resulting in high arch, curvature of the toes or other instep symptoms. The most common conditions that can cause high arch, especially during childhood or teenage years, when the foot is still developing, include diabetic neuropathy, chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy, distal median nerve dysfunction and radial nerve dysfunction. All these conditions can be identified through a combination of nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and electromyography. These techniques use small electric shocks and needle stimulation to test the extent of muscle response to stimulus.
3. Wear Braces
While braces and insert insoles are usually prescribed as a treatment for high arch, they can also help prevent the worsening of the symptoms, especially when high arch is a result of a disease or condition and not something you were born with. Orthopedic aids that help maintain the foot in the customary position can also prevent abnormal curvature of the toes and other subsequent problems including calluses and corns.
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