If you’ve ever struggled to find comfortable shoes or experienced regular foot pain, you may have a high instep foot, also known as a high arch or pes cavus. At Paul Miller Podiatry, with clinics in Strood and Sidcup, we regularly help patients with high-instep feet and related issues, providing tailored treatment and expert advice. Get in touch with Paul today by calling Strood: 01634 294 884 | Sidcup: 0208 302 2624 or getting in touch here.
What is a High Instep Foot?
A high instep refers to the top part of the foot being raised more than average. It often results from a high arch, where the middle of the foot is more curved upwards than normal. This foot structure places excessive pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, potentially leading to a range of problems including:
- Foot pain or fatigue
- Difficulty finding well-fitting footwear
- Instability or ankle sprains
- Calluses or corns
- Plantar fasciitis
- Clawed toes or hammertoes
Causes of High Instep Feet
High insteps can be hereditary, or they may develop over time due to neurological conditions, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, stroke, or cerebral palsy. In many cases, however, high arches simply occur without an underlying medical cause. You can learn more about high insteps via Foot Healthcare Facts website here.
Common Symptoms of a High Instep Foot
If you have a high instep or high arch (pes cavus), you may experience:
- 🔹 Foot pain, especially in the heel, arch, or ball of the foot
- 🔹 Shoes feeling too tight across the top of the foot
- 🔹 Frequent ankle sprains or instability
- 🔹 Hard skin, corns, or calluses on the ball or heel
- 🔹 Clawed toes or hammertoes
- 🔹 Pain when standing or walking for long periods
- 🔹 Difficulty finding well-fitting shoes
- 🔹 Pressure spots or rubbing from footwear
- 🔹 Calf muscle tightness or foot fatigue
- 🔹 Numbness or tingling in the toes (in some cases)
Frequently Asked Questions About High Instep Foot
What is a high instep foot?
A high instep refers to the top part of the foot being more raised than usual, often due to a high arch (pes cavus). This can make shoes feel tight and lead to pressure-related issues, pain, and instability.
Is a high instep the same as a high arch?
They’re closely related. A high arch is the structural curve on the underside of your foot, while a high instep refers more to the raised top part of the foot. Many people with high arches also have high insteps.
What problems can a high instep cause?
A high instep can lead to foot pain, difficulty finding comfortable shoes, ankle instability, corns and calluses, and even long-term foot deformities like clawed toes or hammertoes.
Can a podiatrist help with a high instep?
Yes! At Paul Miller Podiatry, we can assess your foot structure and provide expert advice, custom orthotics, and treatment to relieve discomfort and improve your foot function.
What kind of shoes are best for high instep feet?
Look for shoes with:
- Extra depth
- Adjustable laces or straps
- Wide toe boxes
- Cushioned soles and arch support
Our podiatrists in Strood and Sidcup can recommend brands and styles that suit your foot shape.
Do I need custom orthotics for a high instep?
Custom orthotics can be highly effective. They support your arch, redistribute pressure, and improve comfort and stability. Book an assessment with our team to find out if orthotics are right for you.
Is a high instep foot a serious condition?
Not always, but if left unmanaged, it can lead to chronic pain, balance issues, and other complications. Early assessment and treatment can prevent long-term problems.
How can I book an appointment?
You can contact Paul Miller Podiatry via phone, email, or our website to schedule a consultation at either our Strood or Sidcup clinic. We’re here to help with high instep feet and all related foot conditions.
How a Podiatrist Can Help
At Paul Miller Podiatry, we assess each patient’s foot structure and provide personalised treatment plans. If you’re experiencing pain, balance issues, or general discomfort, visiting a qualified podiatrist in Kent could make a huge difference.
Some of the ways we treat high instep issues include:
- Custom orthotics to provide better arch support
- Footwear advice tailored to high instep foot shapes
- Shock absorption insoles to reduce pressure
- Stretches and strengthening exercises
- Treatment for secondary conditions such as plantar fasciitis or metatarsalgia
Choosing the Right Footwear for High Instep Feet
One of the most common concerns we hear at our Sidcup and Strood podiatry clinics is how difficult it can be to find comfortable shoes. If you have a high instep:
- Look for shoes with adjustable laces or straps
- Choose deeper shoes to accommodate the arch
- Avoid tight-fitting shoes or slip-ons
- Seek out brands that specialise in orthopaedic or wide-fit footwear
Book an Appointment with Paul Miller Podiatry
If you’re dealing with a high instep foot, don’t suffer in silence. At Paul Miller Podiatry, we help patients across Kent improve their foot health and live pain-free. Whether you’re in Strood, Sidcup, or the surrounding areas, our expert podiatrists are here to help.
Get in touch today to book a consultation or learn more about how we can support your foot health.