Metatarsalgia - A high arch foot can also lead to painful inflammation of the ball of your foot, known as metatarsalgia.

It is often more intense when you take your first few steps after getting up. This is a common condition that results in a stabbing or burning heel pain extending to the bottom of the foot along the arch.

Plantar Fasciitis - High arches can lead to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of ligaments that connects your heel and toes.

Secondary Conditions Caused by a High Arch Foot More severe cases of a high arch that have gone untreated for an extended period are more likely to cause secondary conditions. There’s no guarantee that a high arch will lead to complications because the risk of acquiring one depends on the severity of the arch and how it impacts your posture and movement. Nevertheless, there is orthotic support available for high arch feet (more on this later). High arches, like flat feet, are usually caused by a genetic predisposition, but they can stem from other conditions as well, including:Īs was mentioned above, high arches aren’t as typical as flat feet, and unfortunately, this has led to a lack of extensive research on the condition. This results in repetitive strain and faster wear-and-tear on the joints, resulting in pain and inflammation (symptoms that occur in flat feet). The problem with high arch feet not absorbing enough shock is that abnormal loads are placed on the foot and lower limbs.

Of course, with flat feet, the opposite happens. A high arch foot also doesn’t absorb enough shock when it lands because it doesn’t flatten - something a foot with normal arches would do. High arches generally have too much support and are often too rigid. The most apparent difference between them is that flat-footed people don’t have enough arch in their feet, while individuals with high arches have too much of an arc. They cause similar issues, but their development and characteristics differ. High Arch Feet vs Flat Feet: How Are They Different?įlat feet get more attention because they are a more common problem than high arches.

With that said, it’s crucial to understand how a high arch foot differs from flat feet so that you choose the proper orthotic support for relief. You may not notice these changes immediately, but they do have a negative impact. Just like flat feet, high arches can also cause faulty biomechanical patterns that wreak havoc on your gait, posture and overall well-being. You might be familiar with flat feet, but high arches are also problematic. This is even more true when it comes to their arches. Your feet are fickle bodily members, requiring a pristine balance to function properly.

Low arch vs high arch feet