High or Low Arches Can Cause Foot Pain

There are dozens of delicate bones in your feet arranged in numerous joints and arches. These arches are unique in all of nature and allow you to stand upright, walk, and run. However, sometimes, the arches in the feet are higher or lower than nature intended.

The arch in the foot is created through the interaction of tendons and bones and should pull these tendons just enough to form a moderate arch. When they pull too little or not at all, the arch is low or even completely flat. Doctors call this pas planus. When they pull too much, the arch is too high. It is known medically as pes cavus. Flat feet are relatively common among men, women, and children. Middlesex County foot doctors Dr. Jason Grossman and Dr. Paul A. Osemene routinely provide treatment to patients for this issue. Atypically high arches are less prevalent than low arches. Still, they don’t pose a challenge for podiatrists, who are medical experts and well-qualified to diagnose and treat any issue related to the feet, ankles, or lower legs.

There are a variety of factors that cause deformities of the arches, including:

  • tendon damage

  • broken or dislocated bones

  • nerve damage

  • other health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes

  • pregnancy

  • obesity

  • family history

Symptoms of arch deformities include:

  • discomfort when wearing shoes

  • painful, achy feet

  • inflammation

  • limited mobility

  • leg pain

  • back pain

  • other foot health issues, including plantar fasciitis

  • instability leading to foot and ankle injuries such as sprained ankles

Your podiatrist has many treatment options for fallen and high arches. These include, but are not limited to:

  • at-home approaches such as rest, ice, and elevation

  • specialized exercises

  • physical therapy

  • prescription and over-the-counter medication and steroid injections for pain and swelling

  • custom orthotics to provide additional cushioning and support in shoes

  • surgery, but only in extreme cases

Are you wondering if high arches or fallen arches are causing you problems, or do you have another concern about the health and wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs? Schedule a convenient appointment with Jason Grossman, DPM, and Paul A. Osemene, DPM, in the modern, comfortable Advanced Feet and Ankle Care offices in Old Bridge and Sayreville. Call our friendly staff at(732) 679-4330 or click here to get started today.

Foot Pain, Flat FeetAdvanced Feet and Ankle Carearches, foot pain, foot health, arch deformity, flat foot, diabetes, plantar fasciitis, foot and ankle injuries