High Arch Foot Treatment in Singapore
If you’re feeling pain in your arches, noticing instability while walking, or dealing with frequent ankle sprains, you may be experiencing symptoms of high arch feet, also known as pes cavus.
This condition occurs when the arch of the foot remains unusually high, even when standing. This can affect how pressure is distributed across your feet, often leading to pain in the heel or ball of the foot, calluses, toe deformities, or repeated strain injuries. Over time, these changes may become pronounced and harder to manage without the right support.
Early assessment and appropriate treatment can make a difference. If you’re starting to notice discomfort or high arches in your foot structure, book an appointment at Dr Foot to evaluate your condition before it progresses.
Causes of High Arch Feet
High arch feet can occur for a variety of reasons. Common causes include the following:
- Genetics: Many people inherit high arches, especially if there is a family history of this foot structure.
- Neuromuscular disorders: These conditions interfere with how nerves communicate with muscles, often leading to imbalances in muscle strength and coordination. Examples of such disorders include Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida.
- Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves later in life can also contribute to the development of pes cavus. This may result from conditions such as diabetes-related neuropathy, stroke, or spinal tumours.
- Muscle imbalances: Weakness in certain muscles combined with tightness in others can pull the foot into a high-arched position over time.
- Injuries or contractures: Trauma, misalignment, or restricted movement after an injury can cause soft tissues to tighten, leading to the development of a high arch.
- Congenital conditions: Some babies are born with structural contractures, such as clubfoot, which can cause pes cavus even in the absence of any neurological condition.
Understanding the root cause of high arch feet can help guide the most effective treatment for managing symptoms and preventing complications.
How Do You Know If You Have High Arched Feet
High arches can affect the way your feet absorb shock and bear weight, often leading to a range of symptoms that may get worse over time.
Common signs of pes cavus include:
- Foot pain, especially in the heel, ball of the foot, or along the arch.
- Frequent ankle sprains or a sense of instability, as the foot is less stable on uneven surfaces.
- Clawed toes or hammertoes, caused by muscle imbalances over time.
- Calluses, particularly under the metatarsal heads, where pressure is concentrated.
- Poor shock absorption can make walking or running uncomfortable.
- Pain radiating beyond the foot, such as in the knees, hips, or lower back, due to altered biomechanics.
- Chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or peroneal tendonitis.
Recognising these early signs can help you decide when to seek high arch treatment.
Why is High Arch Foot Treatment Necessary?
High arch feet are more than just a structural variation; they can set off a series of biomechanical issues if left unaddressed.
Without proper management, the resulting strain on the feet and body can lead to persistent pain, limited mobility, and a noticeable decline in overall quality of life.
- Excessive pressure tends to build up on the heel, ball, and outer edge of the foot. This uneven distribution can cause pain, the formation of calluses, and even repetitive stress injuries over time.
- The rigid nature of a pes cavus limits the foot’s ability to absorb shock effectively. This puts added strain on joints, tendons, and soft tissues with every step you take.
- As the body compensates for poor foot mechanics, postural problems often develop. These issues can extend beyond the feet, affecting the ankles, knees, hips, and even the spine.
- Limited surface contact with the ground increases ankle instability, raising the risk of frequent sprains and balance issues.
- Foot deformities like claw toes or hammertoes may worsen if muscle imbalances remain untreated.
- Stress fractures, especially in the metatarsals, can result from chronic uneven weight distribution.
- Chronic discomfort can lead to reduced physical activity, affecting both mobility and overall well-being.
Treatment Options for High Arch Feet at Dr Foot
Managing high arch feet involves personalised, non-surgical treatments focused on relieving discomfort.
After a thorough assessment by our podiatrist in Singapore, several approaches may be recommended to help manage your condition:
- Custom orthotic insoles: Tailored orthotics are designed to fit your unique foot shape, redistributing pressure evenly and providing much-needed support and cushioning for high arches.
- Shoe modifications: Guidance on selecting supportive shoes with adequate cushioning and stability, such as high-topped shoes or those with wider heels, helps improve balance and reduce strain on your feet.
- Night splints: Wearing night splints helps with high arch feet by stretching your calf muscles and foot arches while you sleep.
- Surgical intervention: If conservative treatments fail, you may be recommended for high arch foot surgery. This procedure can involve soft tissue adjustments, bone removal, or even joint fusion in severe cases to restore foot function and reduce pain.
- Addressing secondary issues: High arch feet treatment may also address problems such as ankle instability or claw toes, ensuring comprehensive care for your overall foot health.
Custom Orthotic Insoles Designed for High Foot Arch Relief
Custom orthotic insoles are inserts that support your foot’s natural shape, helping to align the ankle and improve posture, particularly for those with high arches. Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are tailored to your individual foot structure, offering targeted support where it’s needed most.
They help redistribute pressure evenly across the foot, improve abnormal positioning, and reduce strain on the heel, ball of the foot, and even the lower back. These insoles can be especially beneficial if you’re dealing with pain related to high arches, or seeking plantar fasciitis treatment.
Book a High Arch Assessment with Dr Foot
If you’re experiencing discomfort, instability, or pain due to high arches, a professional assessment is the first step toward treatment. At Dr Foot, we will conduct an examination to assess your foot structure. Based on the findings, we’ll guide you on how best to manage the condition.
Contact us today to schedule your assessment and take the first step toward a curated care plan tailored to your needs.