higharched

Higharched is a descriptive term used in podiatry and orthopedics to characterize feet with abnormally high arches. In medical contexts this condition is commonly called pes cavus, especially when the arch remains rigid. The term is less common in everyday language but appears in clinical descriptions of foot structure.

Causes include congenital or acquired factors. Congenital high arches may be isolated or part of hereditary neuromuscular disorders such as Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease. Acquired causes include nerve injury, spinal cord disease, stroke, or muscle imbalance. A high arch concentrates pressure on the ball and heel and is often accompanied by hindfoot varus and forefoot cavus.

Clinical features and diagnosis: The foot is typically rigid with an elevated medial arch. Patients may have calluses under the ball or heel, lateral instability, toe deformities, or pain with standing. Diagnosis combines physical examination, gait assessment, and imaging such as weight-bearing X-rays; neurological testing may be indicated to identify underlying conditions.

Treatment: Management aims to redistribute pressure and improve function. Options include custom orthotics and appropriate footwear, physical therapy, and stretching. In severe or progressive deformities, surgical options such as tendon lengthening or transfer, osteotomies, or fusion may be considered.

Prognosis and epidemiology: Some individuals are asymptomatic; others develop chronic pain or functional limitations. Pes cavus is relatively uncommon and often arises in the context of an underlying neurological condition.