Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
High arches near Farmington Hills create predictable damage at five anatomical sites — but a high-arched foot can also be the first visible sign of a neurological condition that hasn’t yet caused other symptoms. One clinical test performed in-office distinguishes structural cavus from neurological cavus in under 2 minutes. Call (810) 206-1402 for a high arch evaluation.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM · Board-Certified Podiatrist · Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC · Updated 2026
High Arch Foot Treatment Near Farmington Hills, MI
High arch foot (cavus) evaluation and treatment near Farmington Hills, MI is available at Balance Foot & Ankle in Bloomfield Hills. Dr. Biernacki DPM performs the Coleman block test to distinguish flexible from rigid hindfoot varus, conducts neurological evaluation for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in progressive cases, and manages lateral ankle instability, peroneal tendon issues, and stress fractures caused by cavus foot mechanics. Call (810) 206-1402.
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The High-Arch Foot: Why Rigid High Arches Cause Injury
The high-arch (cavus) foot creates rigid supination with lateral column overload, poor shock absorption, and concentrated pressure under the metatarsal heads and heel. Cavus feet cause a specific cluster of problems in Farmington Hills-area patients: recurrent lateral ankle sprains (varus hindfoot drives repeated inversion), peroneal tendon pathology (lateral loading stress), metatarsal stress fractures (rigid, non-compliant forefoot), plantar fasciitis (tight plantar fascia), and lateral column pain. The most important evaluation: neurological workup. Approximately 60-70% of cavus feet in adults have an underlying neurological cause — most commonly Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy), producing progressive bilateral symmetric cavovarus deformity. Any adult with new or progressive high arch should have neurological evaluation including EMG/NCV and family history. Coleman block test: When the lateral forefoot is off-loaded on a block, hindfoot varus correction = forefoot-driven (flexible) → treat the forefoot. No correction = rigid deformity requiring hindfoot correction.
Key Takeaway: New or progressive high arch = neurological workup (Charcot-Marie-Tooth). Coleman block test distinguishes forefoot-driven (treat forefoot) from rigid hindfoot (treat hindfoot). Custom orthotics with lateral forefoot posting + lateral ankle support. Surgical: 1st metatarsal dorsiflexion osteotomy (forefoot-driven) or calcaneal osteotomy (rigid hindfoot varus). Recurrent ankle sprains = cavus foot until proven otherwise.
Treatment: Supporting Lateral Stability
Conservative treatment: Custom orthotics with lateral forefoot wedge/posting to reduce the plantarflexed 1st ray driving hindfoot varus. Lateral ankle brace to compensate for ligamentous laxity from recurrent sprains. Wide toe box shoes with cushioned midsoles. Stretching of plantar fascia, intrinsic foot muscles, and gastrocnemius/Achilles. Surgical correction: Forefoot-driven (flexible hindfoot): 1st metatarsal dorsiflexion osteotomy. Rigid hindfoot varus: calcaneal osteotomy (lateral displacement or Dwyer closing wedge). Plantar fascia release for rigid intrinsic equinus. Peroneus longus to brevis tenodesis for eversion strength. Combined procedures often required for severe deformity.
⚠️ See a Podiatrist If:
- Recurrent lateral ankle sprains — cavus/varus alignment driving repeated inversion injuries
- High arch that is progressively getting higher — neurological evaluation urgent
- Family history of high arches with foot drop or leg weakness — Charcot-Marie-Tooth evaluation
- Lateral forefoot calluses or metatarsal stress fractures — rigid cavus foot overload
- Foot drop or difficulty clearing the floor while walking — neurological cause
OrthoInfo – AAOS: Cavus Foot (High-Arched Foot)
Getting to Our Office From Farmington Hills
Our Bloomfield Hills office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 is about 15–20 minutes from Farmington Hills via I-696 E to Woodward Ave. We accept most major insurance. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
High Arch Causing Ankle Problems? Get a Cavus Foot Evaluation
Balance Foot & Ankle · Serving Farmington Hills & Michigan
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📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
High arched feet (cavus foot) near Farmington Hills are treated with custom orthotics that fill the arch space and redistribute pressure across the entire plantar surface, cushioning shoes with extra depth, and physical therapy stretching the plantar fascia and calf muscles. Ankle bracing may be needed for associated instability. In progressive cases surgical correction and tendon transfers restore balanced foot mechanics. Our podiatry clinic serving Farmington Hills offers comprehensive cavus foot evaluation and custom orthotic casting.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.