High arches are a condition that is largely genetic. Patients with high arches are usually born with them or have developed a musculoskeletal condition which produces them. High arches can elicit pain that feels as if you are pounding on the balls of the feet. They can also result in frequent ankle sprains and cause pain on the outside of the ankle.

Conservative therapy to address this condition may include custom orthotics or shoe inserts, padding of the ball of the foot, cortisone injections, and/or physical therapy. If conservative therapy fails, surgical intervention may be required to fix the deformity.