How can I tell if I have high arches?
There are two common methods of checking at home whether or not you have high arches: look at the wear on your shoes and observe your wet footprint.
If you have raised arches, your shoes will likely show wear at the heel, the outside edge, and the ball of your foot—areas of pressure when you walk or run. It can also indicate supination, or an excessive rolling of the foot to the outside during your stride.
Next, either dip your feet in a pan of water and blot them on a piece of dark construction paper, or get them wet and take a few steps outside on dry pavement. If your foot prints show large spots at the heel and forefoot with little or nothing in between, you likely have high arches.
These tests can give you a preliminary idea of what your arch shape is and what type of shoes to look for, but a visit to Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center in the west Denver area will tell you much more. Besides, if your biomechanics are causing pain, we can do something about it! Call us at (303) 423-2520 for an appointment today.
Can high arches cause foot problems?
High arches due to an inherited foot shape are not as common as flat feet. They may lead to no symptoms at all, but they also could be the cause of tired, achy feet after strenuous activity or at the end of the day.
If your arches become rigid, there is no spring action to help absorb the stress of your steps. This can mean the hard impacts are transferred directly to bones further up the skeletal line, resulting in shin splints, knee joint pain, and other problems.
If your raised arches result from an underlying condition with your nervous or musculoskeletal systems, you may experience even more issues. Curled toes such as claw and hammertoes, conditions like plantar fascia or metatarsalgia (pain in the forefoot), and pain along the outer ankle from overstretched tissues can occur. Ankle instability (leading to frequent sprains), or drop foot (inability to lift toes correctly as you walk) are other complications that can result.
If you struggle with limitation and pain because of your high arches, contact Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center for an evaluation by calling (303) 423-2520 and scheduling an appointment at our Wheat Ridge, Golden, Evergreen, or Granby, CO, office today.
