When the foot has a higher than usual arch, it is classified as a cavus foot, or pes cavus. Pes cavus literally means "hollow foot," according to UW Medicine, because the impression a cavus foot leaves consists mainly of the heel and ball of the foot. Most of the pressure is placed on the heel and ball of the foot when standing or walking. This condition can be hereditary or found with some neurological disorders, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. There can be foot problems associated with pes cavus.
Metarsalgia
Metatarsalgia, or pain in the ball of the foot, is common for people with high-arched feet. According to the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, this occurs with cavus foot because of the increased weight borne on the ball of the foot. The increased pressure in that small area can lead to pain. Placing adhesive cushions underneath the ball of the foot can help alleviate some of the pain.
Ankle Instability and Sprains
A high-arched foot leans to the outside, which is termed lateral instability. According to Weil Foot and Ankle Institute, lateral instability causes the heel to tilt inward, which forces the rest of the foot to lean outward. This makes it easier for those with a cavus foot to sprain an ankle, sometimes just by walking. Someone with a cavus foot may not be able to tolerate standing for long periods of time because of foot fatigue. Wearing high-topped shoes can help stabilize the ankle.
Plantar Fasciitis
According to the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, the higher arch found in pes cavus can create conditions in which it is easier to develop plantar fasciitis, resulting in pain at the heel and arch of the foot. The plantar fascia is a broad, strong ligament that runs across the bottom of the foot from the heel to the ball of the foot. In a higher arched foot, the plantar fascia is under more pressure and thus more prone to becoming symptomatic. A high arch can also make the foot feel stiffer and less flexible.
Claw Toes
In a high-arched foot, the toes have a tendency to draw inward, creating a condition called claw toes. According to Foot Associates of Central Texas, they are named claw toes because the toes begin to curl upward like claws. Claw toes can make it difficult to find comfortably fitting shoes. Shoes that are deeper and wider in the toe box may allow enough room for the toes to be comfortable.
Callouses
With a cavus foot, painful callouses can form under the bases of the first and fifth toes, according to ePodiatry. Callouses can also form along the side or under the heel from the increased pressure and friction. The goals when treating a cavus foot are to redistribute weight over a larger area, relieve any pain and stabilize the foot. These goals can often be accomplished by wearing special foot supports called orthotics.
