Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooCavus Foot (High Arches)

Cavus foot is a condition where the foot has a very high arch. Because of the higher arch, most of the weight is placed on the heel and ball of the foot when standing or walking (MedlinePlus, 2024). Cavus foot can cause a number of symptoms and signs, such as instability and pain. The condition can develop at any point in time. One or both feet can be affected.

Cavus foot is often known as pes cavus. High arches can be caused by a bone (orthopaedic) condition or a nerve (neurological) condition, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which is a common cause in adults, so people with high arches should be checked for nerve and bone conditions (MedlinePlus, 2024; Qin, Wu and Zhang, 2022). High arches that are flexible may not need any treatment (MedlinePlus, 2024).

Cavus Foot Anatomy

Cavus foot is commonly used to describe a range of different foot shapes that all have a high arch in common. The usual features are a heel that tilts inwards (hindfoot varus), a front of the foot that turns inwards (forefoot adduction) and a first metatarsal (the long bone behind the big toe) that points downwards more than normal (Qin, Wu and Zhang, 2022). The cavus shape changes the way forces pass through the foot when you stand and walk. High arches are estimated to affect about 10 percent of adults (Qin, Wu and Zhang, 2022), and many people do not have any symptoms or problems as a result (MedlinePlus, 2024).

How to Treat Cavus Foot

Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor or nurse practitioner

Tips

• If you notice you have a particularly high instep (the arch looks hollow when you stand), you may have pes cavus (MedlinePlus, 2024).
• An unstable foot from the heel tilting inwards can lead to ankle sprains (Qin, Wu and Zhang, 2022).
• If calluses develop on the side, ball or heel of the feet, you need to have that checked out. A podiatrist will be able to assess the problem.
• Hammertoes or claw toes can be a sign of cavus foot (Qin, Wu and Zhang, 2022).
• Some causes of cavus foot run in families (Qin, Wu and Zhang, 2022). See your family doctor or nurse practitioner if you have high arches with foot pain, so that nerve and bone conditions can be checked (MedlinePlus, 2024).

A high arch is part of the shape of your foot, and massage doesn't change that. What I can help with is how it feels and works: easing tight calves and feet, and strengthening the muscles that steady your ankle.

I start by assessing how your foot and ankle move, how you stand and walk, and your lower-leg strength. Because high arches can come from a nerve condition, I also check sensation, reflexes and strength. If anything there concerns me, or you haven't been checked yet, I'll ask you to see your family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Hands-On Treatment

• Warm applications to start, then myofascial, trigger point and massage work through the calf, the sole of the foot and the toes
• Gentle mobilisation of stiff joints in the foot, ankle and toes
• Calf and foot stretching, including contract-relax stretches

Strength and Balance

• Strengthening for the muscles on the outside of the lower leg, starting with band work and building to standing and single-leg exercises
• Balance and quick-reaction work to help protect against ankle sprains
• A home programme with toe, foot and calf exercises
• A gradual return to running or sport, building the load back up step by step

Footwear and Support

1. Qin, B., Wu, S. and Zhang, H. (2022) 'Evaluation and management of cavus foot in adults: a narrative review', Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(13), 3679. doi: 10.3390/jcm11133679
2. MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) (2024) High arch. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001261.htm (Accessed: 7 October 2026).