What should you watch for if you have a high arch foot?

If you have a high arch foot type, there are several things of which you should be aware.  The medical term for a high arch foot is pes cavus.  People with high arches are prone to several different types of foot and ankle problems including chronic lateral ankle inversion type sprains, 5th metatarsal Jones fractures, hammertoes, and chronic metatarsalgia or pain in the ball of the foot. 

Generally speaking, high arch feet are more rigid, and they don't absorb shock very well.  This can lead to arthritis of different joints in the foot and ankle developing more quickly than they typically would for patients with an average arch height. 

High arch feet are also associated with some neurologic conditions, the most common of which is Charcot Marie Tooth Disease.  These neuorologic conditions can be progressive, and that can change the recommended treatment.  Consequently, it is important to have an accurate diagnosis when making treatment decisions about these conditions.

If you are having any foot or ankle problems, call our foot and ankle surgeons, Dr. Hinderland and Dr. Cameron at 719-488-4664 today, so we can help you.  The team at Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado in Colorado Springs and Monument all strive to treat you like they want to be treated, and try to make your foot and ankle care the best possible experience it can be!