High-Arched Feet (Pes Cavus): How to Identify & Manage Its Impact on Your Body

What is Pes Cavus (High-Arched Feet)?

Pes cavus, or high-arched feet, is a condition where the arch of the foot is significantly raised. Unlike flat feet, which cause the foot to roll inward, high arches often lead to excessive pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, impacting balance, stability, and overall movement patterns.

How to Know If You Have High-Arched Feet

If you're unsure whether you have high arches, here are some key signs to look for:

Common Symptoms:

✔️ Increased pressure on the heel and ball of the foot

✔️ Difficulty finding comfortable shoes

✔️ Frequent ankle sprains due to instability

✔️ Pain in the feet, knees, hips, or lower back

✔️ Calluses or corns on the outer edges of the foot

✔️ Stiffness and reduced shock absorption

At-Home Arch Test:

Try the wet foot test:

  1. Wet the bottom of your foot.

  2. Step onto a piece of paper or a flat surface.

  3. If you see only a thin band connecting the heel and forefoot (or none at all), you likely have high arches.

How High Arches Affect the Body

Having high-arched feet doesn’t just affect your feet—it has a ripple effect on your entire body.

1. Reduced Shock Absorption

High arches limit the foot’s ability to absorb impact, increasing stress on the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

2. Increased Risk of Injuries

Pes cavus can contribute to:

  • Ankle instability & sprains

  • Stress fractures due to poor shock absorption

  • Shin splints & plantar fasciitis from excessive foot tension

3. Poor Posture & Gait Issues

Because high-arched feet alter weight distribution, they can lead to postural imbalances, affecting walking (gait) mechanics and spinal alignment.

How to Manage & Improve High-Arched Feet

While high arches are often structural, targeted interventions can help improve foot function, reduce discomfort, and prevent future complications. More information here , here and here.

1. Gait Analysis & Movement Therapy

At The Body Lab Canberra, we offer Video Gait Analysis & 3D Pressure Mapping to assess how your feet affect your movement and posture.

2. Foot MobiliSation & Strengthening Exercises

  • Toe Lifts & foot doming to strengthen intrinsic foot muscles

  • Ankle stability drills to reduce the risk of sprains

  • Calf stretching & mobility work to improve flexibility

3. Posture Retraining & Manual Therapy

Improving posture through functional movement therapy, soft tissue work, and cranial therapy can address secondary issues caused by high arches.

4. Supportive Footwear & Orthotics

Choosing cushioned, supportive footwear or custom orthotics may help distribute weight more evenly and enhance stability but should be the last resort to foot management.

Find Out More & Book a Consultation

If you suspect you have high-arched feet and are experiencing pain, instability, or movement issues, we can help.

📍 Visit The Body Lab Canberra for expert movement therapy, gait analysis, and posture retraining.

📅 Book an appointment today! [Booking Here]