The Difference Between Flat Feet and High Arches

Flat feet and high arches are the normal foundations for a lot of us. But what are the causes of these structural abnormalities, and how might they limit us in everyday life? While not all arches are created equal, we must trace the origins of these deformities to understand if a podiatrist’s help is needed. Dive into this article with us at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center to differentiate between flat feet and high arches.

The Causes of Flat Feet and High Arches

Both flat feet and high arches can be caused by genetics. For instance, some people have weak or imbalanced muscles in the feet that naturally lead to these structures. However, as life progresses, people may develop certain conditions of which these abnormalities are a downstream consequence.

Flat Feet

For flat feet, one of the main drivers is posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, in which the tendon that supports the arch of the foot is weak.

Aging, obesity, and certain conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cerebral palsy can all affect the soft tissues of the foot and cause it to flatten.

The resulting symptoms are pain, fatigue, overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot), and problems in the ankles, knees, and hips.  

High Arches

With high arches, the opposite happens, where the ligaments and muscles supporting the arch tighten and contract, thus pulling the arch up.

The causal medical conditions also differ from those of flat feet. High arches are more commonly associated with neurological conditions that affect muscle function and balance, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida.

In some cases, high arches can also be associated with clubfoot or tarsal coalition.

The resulting symptoms are instability, difficulty with shock absorption, an increased risk of stress fractures and other injuries, and, again, pain.

At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are happy to help our Hartford County patients. To book an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.