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High arch - Symptom

Alternative Names

Pes cavus; High foot arch; High instep

Symptoms:

Shortened foot length
Difficulty fitting shoes
Foot pain with walking, standing, and running (not everyone has this symptom)

Signs and tests:

When the person stands on the foot, the instep looks hollow and most of the weight is on the back and balls of the foot (metatarsals head).

Your health care provider will check to see if the high arch is flexible, meaning it can be moved around.

Tests that may be done include:

Reviewed last on: 11/12/2010
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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