What Is High Arched Feet/Pes Cavus?

Pes Cavus, also known as high-arched feet, is a condition where the arch of the foot is significantly higher than normal. Because of the elevated arch, excessive pressure is placed on the ball and heel of the foot rather than being evenly distributed across the entire foot. Over time, this increased pressure can lead to pain, instability, irritation, and other foot-related complications.

Most people with high arches are born with the condition, although in some cases it may develop as a result of an underlying neurological disorder. Depending on the severity, Pes Cavus can affect walking, balance, footwear comfort, and overall mobility.

Pes Cavus Treatment Options

At our New York foot clinic, we perform a comprehensive evaluation of your foot structure, gait, pressure distribution, and symptoms to create a treatment plan customized to your specific needs and lifestyle.

Treatment is focused on improving arch support, redistributing pressure more evenly throughout the foot, reducing pain, and preventing secondary conditions such as calluses, ankle instability, and hammertoes. Conservative care is highly effective for most patients and may include custom orthotics, footwear modifications, callus reduction, physical therapy, and activity adjustments.

In rare and severe cases where conservative treatment fails, surgical correction may be recommended to improve foot alignment and function.

Many people with high arches do not experience pain. However, when symptoms such as pain, calluses, instability, or recurrent injuries occur, conservative treatment can provide substantial long-term relief and improved comfort.

Custom orthotics are generally very well tolerated and are highly effective at improving pressure distribution and reducing secondary complications. Patients undergoing surgical correction may experience improved alignment, balance, and mobility following recovery.

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are one of the most effective long-term treatments for high-arched feet. These specially designed inserts help evenly distribute body weight, improve foot alignment, reduce pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, and minimize pain and callus formation.

Shoe Modifications & Supportive Footwear

Properly fitted supportive footwear plays an important role in reducing stress on the foot and improving comfort during daily activities. Patients may receive recommendations for shoes designed to better support high arches and improve stability.

Physical Therapy & Strengthening

Physical therapy may help improve foot and ankle stability, strengthen supporting muscles, and reduce the risk of recurrent ankle sprains and other complications associated with Pes Cavus.

Surgical Correction

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to flatten the arch and improve overall foot function. Surgical correction may involve both bone and soft tissue procedures and is typically followed by immobilization, casting, and crutch use during recovery.

Treatment Duration & Recovery

Most patients experience significant improvement with long-term use of custom orthotics and supportive footwear. Conservative treatment is often ongoing and focused on preventing worsening symptoms and reducing strain on the foot.

If surgery is required, recovery may involve six to eight weeks of immobilization in a cast along with crutches and rehabilitation. Recovery times vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the severity of the deformity.

Relieve Foot Arch Pain Quickly With Our Customized Treatments

If you are experiencing pain from high-arched feet, or you’re suffering from any other foot/ankle pain, our NYC doctors are happy to help!

Serving the Downtown and Midtown Manhattan areas of NYC, we help you get back to healthy and happy living. Call us at 917-398-3668 or book an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes scar tissue builds up in a tendon and causes the tendon to lose its elasticity. At that point, chronic Achilles tendinitis can be treated by removing the scar tissue using a minimally invasive procedure like Tenex. This uses a wand that transmits ultrasonic energy to break through the scar tissue leaving healthy tissue behind. Downtime is minimal and return to normal activity is about a week.

Warm-up before and cool down after your workout routine. Slowly increase the intensity of your exercise over a period of time. If you’re using equipment at the gym, make sure you know how to use it safely and also with the form and posture. If unsure, always ask!
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Grab a resistance band (or even a stretchy t-shirt)! Place the band or shirt around the ball of your foot. Pull the two ends of the band or shirt towards you until you feel a nice stretch in the back of your leg. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this 5-10 times for both legs!

Achilles tendonitis rarely requires surgery. However, if treatment is delayed or neglected, there could be further damage such as a tendon tear. This would require surgical repair, and although we can do this with minimally invasive techniques, it is better to prevent damage when possible. Don’t ignore your pain. See your podiatrist as soon as possible.

RELATED SERVICES

By accurately diagnosing, treating, and preventing lower leg, foot, and ankle conditions and ailments, we get you on your way back to healthy feet!Β  We use conservative care and only activate surgeries when absolutely necessary.Β  Here are some of the foot and ankle conditions we treat. Get that peace of mind, and reach out and book an appointment with us today!

ANKLE SPRAIN

BUNION/HALLUX VALGUS

MORTON'S NEUROMA

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

TESTIMONIAL

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Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.

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Everyone was super friendly. Doctor Rick’s explained everything thoroughly.

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Dr Bell was incredibly thorough and personable. Gave me great information and useful information for my next steps. A great experience!

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“Fast, professional, and very clean office. I was checked in and seen within 10 minutes of my scheduled time. Dr. Ricks was straight to the point but thorough. The front desk staff was also incredibly helpful.

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All of the staff are super welcoming and professional! Bianca took excellent care in getting my X-rays. Dr. Ricks was thorough in explaining my diagnosis and next steps. Highly recommended!!

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Well before I came in today to see Dr. Ricks my foot in pain was 9/10 and now I feel good πŸ™πŸΏπŸ€© thanks

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