It's a term we hear a lot, but do we know what it actually means when someone says they have "high arches"--? For some, they say it to explain sore feet or why they can't fit into a certain shoe. For others, it's a serious problem that can cause significant pain and discomfort.
So what does it really mean when you hear someone say they have high arches? We'll explain.
What Are High Arches?
You know the term, but what the heck are high arches, anyway?
As opposed to flat feet that lack a medial arch, simply put, high arches occur when you have a significant arch in the middle of the foot. Want a really "scientific" way to figure out if you have them? Think about the last time you walked on the beach. If you have high arches, you might have only seen the heel and the ball of your foot in the track. Or, if you look at the inside of your shoes and notice definitive wear patterns along the outside, you might have high arches.
What are the Symptoms of High Arches?
If you have high arches, you might experience a wide variety of symptoms, but the most common is pain during physical activity. But, physical activity doesn't just mean running or sports. Pain from high arches can occur on a daily basis and be caused by standing too long at work (if you work in a restaurant or are a teacher, you can relate!) or walking around in work boots with little support. You may be tempted to take off your shoes whenever you can and rub your feet...which can start to interfere in daily activities.
You might also experience:
- Less flexible feet (which means you might need more cushioning on your shoes!)
- Excess friction or pressure on your instep
- Foot injury or fatigue
What Causes High Arches?
Given that the shape of your feet is most often determined by genetics, there's not much you can do to avoid "getting" high arches. Everyone's feet are different and while some might have slightly high arches that don't bother them, others might be more pronounced and troublesome.
But, make sure you're vigilant if you do have arches because they can often be a sign of certain neurological conditions like spina bifida or cerebral palsy.
What Can You do About High Arches?
If you have high arches, what can you do about them? There's no "cure" for them but you don't want your feet to hurt all the time. If you have high arches, you need extra support.
It's important to consider your instep when you picking out the right footwear for high arches. Too narrow of a shoe will compress the nerves in your instep so make sure to pick a wider shoe for plenty of room. Look for a neutral, flexible shoe with plenty of cushion and lots of shock absorption.
An insole can also add support a shoe might not have. The contoured arch, heel cup, and metatarsal pad in Orange Insoles can help hold your foot in the correct position, which can make sure you have correct weight distribution and help keep your whole body in alignment. It's also important to make sure you are getting the right size shoe, so make sure to measure your feet!
If you have high arches, there's an Orange Insole to fit almost any shoe in your closet. Find one in your size today!
