Flat Feet or High Arches? Understanding Your Foot Profile

Two common foot structures that differ significantly from what might be considered an "average" arch: flat feet and high-arched feet (also known medically as planus or cavus foot). Both foot types can influence how your feet feel, function, and interact with the ground.

What do they look and feel like?

Flat Feet (Planus Foot): This condition is primarily characterized by the partial or even complete collapse (loss) of the foot's arch. Beyond the low arch, you might observe other traits:

• The toes and front part of the foot may point slightly outward (sometimes called "toe drift").

• The heel bone might tilt towards the outside.

• The ankle may appear to turn inwards.

High Arches (Cavus Foot): This foot type features an arch that is unusually high. Because of this pronounced curve, an excessive amount of body weight tends to be concentrated on the ball and the heel of the foot during standing and walking. Key signs and symptoms associated with high arches often include:

• Foot pain (especially in the ball or heel).

• A feeling of instability in the foot or ankle. High arches can develop at any age and may occur in just one foot or both.

Potential Complications & Related Issues:

• Flat Feet: Over time, flat feet can sometimes contribute to other issues. A tight Achilles tendon might develop, causing the heel to lift off the ground earlier when walking, potentially making the effects of the flat foot more pronounced. Conditions like bunions and hammertoes may also develop as secondary problems related to the foot mechanics.

• High Arches: The main difficulties stemming from a high-arched foot are typically the resulting pain from uneven weight distribution and instability. This instability can sometimes increase the risk for ankle sprains or other foot stresses.

Understanding the Mechanics:

These conditions relate directly to the structural framework of your foot:

• Flat Feet: Often involves the way bones, ligaments, and tendons interact (or fail to interact effectively) to support the arch.

• High Arches: The foot's structure doesn't allow the arch to flatten normally during weight-bearing to absorb shock, leading to increased pressure on specific areas.

Key Takeaways about Foot Arch Profiles:

Flat Feet (Planus Foot):

• What it is: Partial or total loss/collapse of the foot's natural arch.

• Common Signs: Low arch, outward-pointing toes/forefoot, outward heel tilt, inward ankle appearance.

• Potential Related Issues: A tight Achilles tendon, bunions, or hammertoes; symptoms vary widely.

High Arches (Cavus Foot):

• What it is: An arch that is significantly higher than average.

• Common Signs: Leads to excessive weight placed on the ball and heel, potentially causing pain and instability.

• Occurrence: Can develop at any age and affect one or both feet.

Getting Support and Treatment:

Whether you're experiencing discomfort from flat feet or dealing with pain and instability from high arches, understanding and properly supporting your foot structure is important. Here at Donwood Foot and Orthotic Clinic in Toronto, we frequently assess and manage both flat and high-arched foot conditions. We can carefully evaluate your individual foot mechanics and symptoms to recommend the best course of action. This often includes options like custom-made orthotics, specific footwear recommendations, or other tailored treatments designed to improve your comfort, enhance stability, and support optimal foot function.