High Arch Insoles
Custom insoles for a high arched foot, where pressure concentrates heavily on the heel and forefoot.
Key Takeaways
- A high arched foot contacts the ground over a smaller area, so pressure per square centimetre is higher.
- Ulcers form under the heel and the ball of the foot in this pattern.
- High arches often accompany motor neuropathy and clawed toes.
- Insoles must fill the arch to recruit it into weight bearing.
Why Is a High Arch a Problem?
Cavus foot: a foot with an abnormally high arch, where the midfoot barely contacts the ground during standing and walking.
Think of the total area carrying your body weight. A normal foot spreads it across heel, outer border, ball and toes. A cavus foot loads mainly the heel and the metatarsal heads, so pressure at those two points rises sharply.
Additionally, cavus feet in diabetes frequently result from motor neuropathy, meaning clawed toes usually accompany them and add further pressure points at the toe tips.
How Does the Insole Work?
The key is filling the arch. By building material up into the hollow, the midfoot is brought into contact with the ground, which recruits it into carrying load. Pressure then reduces at the heel and forefoot simply because more surface area is sharing the weight.
- Arch filling to increase the weight bearing surface
- Metatarsal support to relieve the ball of the foot
- Heel cushioning where the fat pad has thinned
- Relief cut outs directly under existing callus or a healed ulcer
What Footwear Works Alongside?
Cavus feet need depth, since a filled arch insole occupies more space. A stable heel counter helps, because high arched feet tend to roll outward. Our therapeutic footwear service matches shoes to the insole rather than the other way round.
What Does It Cost and How Effective Is It?
Custom insoles are a one time cost per pair, quoted after casting and pressure mapping. Pressure readings taken after fitting typically show a clear reduction at the heel and forefoot, which is the objective measure that matters rather than comfort alone.