Podiatrist FAQs 101: What shoes to avoid with high arches?
High arches, also known as pes cavus, can lead to various foot issues if not properly managed. Selecting the right footwear is essential for those with high arches to avoid discomfort, pain, and long-term damage. In this blog post, we’ll explore what shoes to avoid if you have high arches, along with other frequently asked questions about this condition.
What Does It Mean if You Have Very High Arches?
Having high arches means that the arch of your foot is raised significantly higher than normal. This condition can result in an uneven distribution of weight across your foot, leading to increased pressure on the heel and ball of the foot. High arches can be congenital, caused by neurological disorders, or develop over time due to certain activities or footwear.
Are High Arches Good to Have?
While some people might assume that having high arches is beneficial, they can actually cause a variety of problems. Unlike flat feet, high arches can lead to a lack of shock absorption, making the feet more susceptible to injuries and conditions like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and stress fractures.
Why Do High Arches Cause Claw Toes?
High arches can cause claw toes due to the imbalance in the muscles and tendons in the foot. The increased arch height shortens these tendons, leading to the toes curling downward and becoming rigid, a condition known as claw toes. This can cause discomfort, corns, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear.
Does High Arch Cause Metatarsalgia?
Yes, high arches can contribute to metatarsalgia, a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. The elevated arch places more pressure on the metatarsal bones, leading to increased stress and pain in this area, especially during activities like walking or running.
What Is the Personality of a Person with High Arch Feet?
While there’s no scientific basis for foot shape determining personality, some believe that people with high arches tend to be more independent, resilient, and self-sufficient. However, this is more of a myth than a fact, and foot structure should not be used to draw conclusions about personality traits.
What Shoes to Avoid with High Arches?
When you have high arches, certain types of shoes can exacerbate foot problems. Here’s what to avoid:
- Flat Shoes: Shoes with little to no arch support, like ballet flats or flip-flops, can worsen foot pain by failing to provide the necessary support.
- High Heels: High heels shift your body weight onto the balls of your feet, increasing pressure and the risk of metatarsalgia.
- Rigid Shoes: Shoes with stiff soles can reduce the foot’s natural flexibility, leading to discomfort and further foot issues.
- Narrow Shoes: Narrow shoes can squeeze the toes and exacerbate conditions like claw toes, which are already a concern for those with high arches.
- Minimalist Shoes: While popular for their lightweight design, minimalist shoes often lack adequate cushioning and arch support, making them unsuitable for people with high arches.
Things to Know About High Arches
Causes: High arches, or pes cavus, can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, neurological conditions (like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease), or trauma to the foot. Sometimes, no clear cause is identified, and the condition may be idiopathic.
Treatments: Treatment for high arches focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing further complications. Common approaches include:
- Custom Orthotics: These provide additional arch support and cushioning, helping to distribute weight more evenly across the foot.
- Supportive Footwear: Shoes designed with high arches in mind, offering good cushioning and support, can help prevent pain.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the foot and ankle muscles can improve stability and reduce discomfort.
- Surgery: In severe cases, where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical intervention may be required to correct foot deformities.
Cavus Foot: Cavus foot, another term for high arches, can lead to a range of foot problems if not properly managed. This includes increased risk of ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures.
Conclusion
If you have high arches, choosing the right footwear is crucial for maintaining foot health and preventing pain. Avoiding flat shoes, high heels, rigid, narrow, and minimalist shoes can help you manage the condition effectively. If you experience persistent foot pain or discomfort, it’s important to consult a podiatrist for personalized advice and treatment options. With the right care, you can keep your feet comfortable and healthy, even with high arches.
