You may think your high arches are just part of how your feet are built. But over time, this structural difference can do more than make it hard to find comfortable shoes. High arches—also called cavus foot—can put extra stress on your feet, ankles, and legs, leading to pain, instability, and even long-term injury if not properly managed.
At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, Dr. Craig H. Thomajan and his team see every day how untreated high arches can limit mobility and impact quality of life. With advanced training and a patient-centered approach, they provide effective treatment options that not only relieve pain but also prevent future complications.
Understanding High Arches
A high arch occurs when the middle portion of the foot doesn’t make normal contact with the ground. While some people inherit this foot shape, others develop it due to neurological conditions that affect muscle balance. Unlike flat feet, where the arch collapses, cavus feet elevate too much, changing how weight is distributed with every step.
Because of these altered mechanics, people with high arches often bear excessive pressure on the heel and ball of the foot. The toes may begin to contract in unusual ways, and the ankle may roll outward, making balance difficult. These seemingly small differences can trigger bigger problems when ignored.
Risks of Leaving High Arches Untreated
High arches can start as a mild inconvenience, but without medical support, the risks can become serious over time, including:
- Chronic pain. The ball and heel of the foot absorb most of the pressure, leading to pain during walking, standing, or running.
- Ankle instability. With less surface area touching the ground, the ankle is more prone to rolling outward, leading to frequent sprains.
- Toe deformities. Hammertoes, claw toes, and overlapping toes may form as a result of a muscular imbalance in the foot.
- Skin breakdown. Calluses, corns, and even ulcers can develop in high-pressure areas.
- Stress fractures. Repeated impact on fragile bones increases the likelihood of small but painful cracks, especially in active individuals.
- Progressive joint problems. Poor alignment affects not only the foot but also the knees, hips, and lower back. Patients may notice aches and fatigue spreading beyond the feet.
These complications don’t appear overnight, but once they set in, they can be difficult to reverse.
How Austin Specialists Diagnose High Arches
Accurate diagnosis is critical before recommending treatment. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, the evaluation is never one-size-fits-all. Your podiatrist will conduct:
- Medical history review. Some cases of high arches are linked to neurological conditions, so a detailed history is essential.
- Gait analysis. Watching how a patient walks helps determine how the arch affects overall function.
- Imaging studies. X-rays and MRIs reveal the structure of the bones and any associated injuries such as stress fractures.
- Neurological testing. If your doctor suspects nerve involvement, specialized exams help pinpoint the cause.
This careful diagnostic process ensures patients receive tailored care instead of generic solutions.
Nonsurgical Treatments That Provide Relief From High Arches
Not every case of high arches requires surgery. Many patients find significant relief through conservative treatment options:
- Custom orthotics. These medical-grade shoe inserts provide additional arch support, redistribute pressure, and improve alignment.
- Supportive footwear. Shoes with firm soles, cushioned insoles, and wide toe boxes help reduce discomfort and improve stability.
- Bracing. Ankle braces are useful for those with frequent sprains, offering additional stability.
- Physical therapy. Stretching and strengthening exercises improve flexibility, balance, and muscle support.
- Medication. Anti-inflammatory medications may reduce pain and swelling when symptoms flare.
By combining these treatments, many patients maintain active, pain-free lifestyles without invasive procedures.
When Surgery Becomes Necessary
If conservative care does not adequately address symptoms, surgical treatment may be recommended. Surgery is tailored to the severity of the deformity and the patient’s activity level.
Common surgical goals include:
- Realigning bones to improve stability
- Lengthening or releasing tight tendons
- Correcting hammertoes or claw toes
- Reducing pressure on painful areas of the foot
Because every high arch is different, the surgical approach is highly individualized. Some procedures are minimally invasive, while others involve reconstructive techniques for more advanced deformities. Recovery varies but often results in improved long-term mobility and reduced pain.
Lifestyle Adjustments That Make a Difference
Beyond medical treatments, daily habits play a major role in managing cavus foot, including:
- Choosing the right shoes. Avoid high heels and overly flexible shoes. Instead, select options with strong arch support and cushioning.
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Extra pounds increase pressure on already stressed feet, so weight management can reduce symptoms.
- Regular stretching. Keeping calf muscles and plantar fascia flexible reduces strain on the arch.
- Foot care routines. Checking for calluses, corns, or skin irritation helps prevent small issues from becoming major complications.
When combined with professional care, these adjustments allow many people to stay active while reducing the risks of untreated high arches.
The Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists Approach
Dr. Craig H. Thomajan and his team emphasize education, so patients fully understand their condition and treatment options. This patient-focused model means care doesn’t stop at symptom management—it’s about building long-term strategies for healthier feet.
Dr. Thomajan’s credentials reflect a deep commitment to excellence:
- Board certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery.\
- Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
- Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons
This advanced training ensures patients benefit from both proven methods and innovative techniques in podiatric medicine.
The Bigger Picture: How Feet Affect the Whole Body
It’s easy to think of foot problems as separate from overall health, but high arches demonstrate how interconnected the body truly is. When weight distribution is uneven, posture shifts. Over time, this can lead to knee arthritis, hip pain, or chronic back strain.
For many patients, addressing high arches provides unexpected relief in other parts of the body. Correcting alignment allows for smoother movement, improved balance, and less fatigue. In this way, caring for high arches isn’t just about foot comfort; it’s about supporting long-term mobility and wellness.
Living Well With High Arches
High arches don’t have to mean a lifetime of pain or limited activity. With early diagnosis and tailored treatment, many people enjoy active, fulfilling lives. The risks of leaving high arches untreated are real—from stress fractures to progressive deformities—but with the right support, you can help prevent these outcomes.
At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, patients gain not just treatment but a plan for lifelong foot health. By combining advanced diagnostics, personalized care, and patient education, Dr. Thomajan and his team help individuals take confident steps toward a healthier future.
