High Arches (Pes Cavus) Orthotic Support
Struggling with High Arches and Foot Pain?
If your feet feel stiff, unstable, or painful — especially during walking, running, or long periods of standing — you may have high arches (pes cavus).
While high arches are less common than flat feet (approximately one in ten people in the UK have flat feet), they can lead to significant problems due to reduced shock absorption and increased pressure on the foot.
At Active Therapy Clinic, we help you understand the cause of your symptoms and provide targeted treatment, including orthotics and rehabilitation, to get you moving comfortably again.
What Are High Arches (Pes Cavus)?
High arches occur when the arch of your foot is higher than normal, often creating a more rigid foot structure.
This means:
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Less natural shock absorption
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Increased pressure on the heel and ball of the foot
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Reduced contact area with the ground
Common characteristics:
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Weight concentrated on heel and forefoot
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Reduced foot flexibility
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Increased risk of instability
Common Symptoms of High Arches
People with high arches often experience:
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Pain in the heel or ball of the foot
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Foot fatigue, especially during activity
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Ankle instability or frequent sprains
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Calluses under pressure points
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Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
In many cases, symptoms develop because the foot is not absorbing load efficiently.
Why High Arches Cause Problems
High arches often create a stiffer, less adaptable foot, which can lead to:
Poor Shock Absorption
Forces from walking and running are not distributed evenly.
Increased Pressure Points
More load goes through the heel and forefoot.
Reduced Stability
A smaller contact area can make balance and control more difficult.
Higher Injury Risk
Including ankle sprains and overuse injuries.
What Treatments Actually Work?
Effective treatment focuses on improving shock absorption, stability, and load management.
✔ Strengthening Exercises
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Calf strengthening
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Foot stability work
✔ Mobility Work
Encouraging better movement through the foot and ankle where possible.
✔ Load Management
Adjusting activity levels to prevent overload.
✔ Footwear Advice
Choosing shoes that provide cushioning and support.
How Orthotics Help High Arches
Orthotics are often highly effective for people with high arches.
What they do:
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Improve shock absorption
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Redistribute pressure away from painful areas
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Increase contact area with the ground
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Enhance overall stability
Why they matter:
With high arches, the goal is not just support — it’s reducing excessive load on key pressure points.
Custom vs Off-the-Shelf:
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Generic insoles: May add cushioning
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Custom orthotics: Tailored to your foot shape and movement for better long-term outcomes
Do You Need Support for High Arches?
You may benefit from treatment if:
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You have persistent foot pain or fatigue
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You experience repeated ankle sprains
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Walking or running feels uncomfortable
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You struggle to find supportive footwear
Addressing the issue early can reduce the risk of ongoing problems.
Our Approach at Active Therapy Clinic
We focus on individual assessment and tailored treatment.
Your assessment includes:
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Foot structure and biomechanics analysis
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Walking and movement assessment
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Strength and stability testing
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Footwear recommendations
From there, we build a plan that may include:
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Targeted rehabilitation exercises
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Hands-on treatment
Move More Comfortably with the Right Support
High arches don’t have to lead to ongoing pain or instability.
With the right approach, you can:
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Reduce pressure and discomfort
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Improve stability and control
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Stay active with confidence
Book your assessment today and take the first step towards better-supported movement.
