High Foot Arches – Answers to Five Important Questions

High Foot Arches – Answers to Five Important Questions

The feet are the foundation of the body and support the body while standing, running, or walking. As you can imagine, they absorb many shocks and carry our entire weight as we move around. Feet accomplish this difficult task through a series of structures that balance the body while maintaining the body’s center of gravity (so we don’t topple over). One of these structures is the arches of the feet, which act as a suspension bridge, holding together the foot and absorbing shock to provide stability and mobility.

#1. What is Arch Height?

Arch height characterizes the foot structure and shape and plays an essential role in posture. Arch height is measured using a series of podiatric metrics, including Arch Height Index (AHI), Arch Rigidity Index (ARI), and Arch Drop (mm). Arch height can also be gauged visually by observing the inside of the foot and determining how high off the ground it is. These metrics show whether you have a normal arch, high arch, or flat feet.

#2. What is High Arch Support?

If a person has a high arch, it may impact their ability to support their gait and body weight, resulting in foot and heel pain. In such cases, arch support can help better stabilize the body. Arch support comes in various forms, including insoles, compression socks, shoes with arch support, shoe inserts, and more. In all cases, the arch support device supports the foot on the inner side, where the foot does not touch the ground. With arch support, most people get relief from high arch foot pain.

#3. What Causes High Arches?

Foot specialists do not know what causes high arches, but they suspect they may be inherited through genes, and they may be irritated by wearing the wrong shoes or through injury. Most agree that high arches can cause pain and often need intervention to prevent or alleviate pain.

#4. Is a High Arch Good or Bad?

High arches are sometimes mistaken as a sign of agility, athleticism, and running speed. While having a normal arch can support these activities, a higher arch does not necessarily add to athletic prowess. In fact, a high arch can result in significant foot and heel pain because the foot is supporting the entire body only on the heel and ball of the foot. As such, if you have a high arch, it may be prudent to speak to your podiatrist about the best sports footwear to wear.

#5. Does a High Arch Require Treatment?

In most cases, no. A high arch is not always indicative of a treatable condition. However, high arches can result in foot pain, which will need to be treated. If you have high arches, it is highly recommended that you wear shoes with arch support to keep any arch-related pain at bay.

Conclusion

The foot arches are an integral part of the body support system. They help balance the body and reduce the various forces at work while moving. A high arch can lead to foot pain if not well-supported, so it’s always a good idea to wear shoes with arch support. If you wonder whether you have a high arch, speak to your podiatrist today and get your foot arch measured.