Flat Feet vs. High Arches: How Your Foot Type Affects Your Health
- Admin
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
Did you know your foot shape can affect your knees, hips, back — even your balance?
Flat feet and high arches are two of the most common foot types we see at Genesis Podiatry. Each comes with its own set of challenges, and understanding your foot type is the first step toward managing pain, preventing injuries, and choosing the right footwear.
Flat Feet (Low Arches)
In flat feet, the arch of the foot collapses or is very low, causing most or all of the sole to touch the ground.
Common issues:
• Foot fatigue or cramping
• Heel or arch pain (especially plantar fasciitis)
• Shin splints or knee discomfort
• Overpronation (feet roll inward when walking)
This foot type often benefits from supportive shoes and custom orthotics to stabilise the arch.
High Arches (Cavus Feet)
High-arched feet have an exaggerated curve that puts more pressure on the ball and heel.
Common issues:
• Pain under the ball or heel of the foot
• Ankle instability (frequent sprains)
• Calluses or corns from pressure points
• Clawed toes or hammertoes
• Underpronation (foot rolls outward)
These feet usually need extra cushioning, custom orthotics and shock absorption.
Why Foot Type Matters
Your foot type affects how your body absorbs impact and maintains alignment. Poor support or the wrong shoes can lead to:
• Chronic foot pain
• Knee, hip, or lower back strain
• Increased injury risk (especially in active people)
Many patients come in with “mystery” knee or back pain that turns out to be foot-related.
How We Assess and Help
At Genesis Podiatry, we:
• Perform gait analysis and foot posture assessments
• Check your joint flexibility and muscle strength
• Recommend footwear and insoles tailored to your foot type
• Design custom orthotics for long-term support and relief
• Address any pain or imbalance before it leads to further issues
What You Can Do
• Know your foot type — get a podiatry assessment
• Wear shoes that match your arch type
• Use orthotics if recommended
• Stretch and strengthen foot muscles regularly
• Don’t ignore aches — they often start in the feet
Not Sure What Foot Type You Have?
Book a biomechanical and gait assessment — we’ll help you understand your feet and support your whole body better.
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Written by Christine, Podiatrist at Genesis Podiatry
