However, low arches that are weak will generally be more mobile than most foot types. Low arches will not lead to an increased propensity of injury or foot failure. There is nothing inherently unhealthy nor damaging about a low arch.
Since low-arched foot types get picked on the most, let’s start there first. Strong feet or strong arches will outweigh arch height. Like most musculoskeletal concerns, our body functions best when strong. While critiqued on both ends of the height spectrum, arch height is NOT an indication of overall foot health. Rather than accounting for a spectrum of healthy arch variation across the population, individuals are frequently misled into thinking that their arches are shaped poorly, perhaps too low or too high. Like nose size or face shape, the largest factor determining arch height is primarily linked to genetics and race. Arch height can generally be classified into three categories high, moderate (average), and low. Medical providers and footwear salespeople are more likely to analyze the height of one’s arches, rather than their function. Similar to most features of the body, arches have recently been judged on their visible aesthetic. So what happens when the arches don’t work, or when arch mobility is actively prevented? This flexibility along the arches disperses weight, and cushions all the joints above the foot, dampening forces that would otherwise be translated directly to the knees, hips and spine. Arch mobility also acts as a spring, absorbing motion with each step, and providing energy to propel us into the next step.
Arch mobility also helps with balance, as our foot is capable of making hundreds of tiny adjustments to react to different surfaces and keep our body stable. The mobility of arches helps to absorb impact as we move, jump and run. Here at Northwest Foot and Ankle and Correct Toes, we think that all three arches have a purpose. Foot arches share some key characteristics with the shape of architectural arches, they are designed to be strong! But unlike architectural arches, foot arches are also meant to be mobile. Most footwear companies and some physicians are primarily concerned with the Medial-Longitudinal Arch along the inside of the foot. Each foot contains three arches, the Medial-Longitudinal Arch, Lateral-Longitudinal Arch, and the Transverse or Metatarsal Arch. What does a healthy arch look like? More so, is arch height even important? So we’re here to tackle some big questions today. Most footwear companies are talking about it, every shoe store or doctor’s office tries to fix it. Today we’re diving into a hot topic: Arch Height.
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