Does it look pretty graceful?
Would it make you look taller?
Will your legs and feet be fine after doing this for an extended period of time?
Yeah, we can’t stop watching either.
Double-board-certified podiatrist Chanel Perkins, DPM, agrees.
Those with high arches generally deal with muscle weaknesses and imbalances because of uneven weight distribution in their feet.
This condition is known as cavus foot.
Throw it all together, and you find yourself prone to injuries like bone fractures and ankle sprains.
This awkward weight distribution affects the ankles and toes and can cause pain.
Once this happens, you’ll need treatment to manage the discomfort,Cleveland Clinicwarns.
People with average arches will usually be able to spot the imprint the arch of their foot made.
Sometimes, a very small part of the arch might be visible.
Either way, this is an indication that you might have cavus foot.
Other signs that indicate a high arch include calluses, claw toes, and hammer toes, according toHealthline.
The pain might be limited to the foot but tends to spread upward as you continue throughout your day.
You might notice discomfort in your legs, thighs, and hips.
Your doctor will do a physical examination, studying the way you walk and stand on your feet.
They’ll also ask you where you experience pain.
WebMD notes that doctors will sometimes test the flexibility of your arches as well.
El Gamal mentions that he’ll usually run tests to rule out any serious causes of cavus foot.
You may be booked for spine scans and neurological tests to eliminate potential causes like cancer.
Other tests include electromyography, a nerve conduction study, X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Inflammation in the ball of the foot is also very common.
Then there’s plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of a ligament called the plantar fascia.
Spina bifida, a deformity of the spine and spinal cord, can also lead to cavus foot.
Cerebral palsy is another culprit this neurological condition affects the muscles, causing weakness.
Another very serious underlying cause of cavus foot is post-stroke paralysis.
Cavus foot can also be triggered by poliomyelitis (often just referred to as polio).
This viral disease attacks the nervous system, which can lead to paralysis if not treated successfully.
Another cause of cavus foot is clubfoot.
Muscular dystrophy is another possible cause of cavus foot, brought on by diseases that break down muscle mass.
Oftentimes, though, cavus foot simply develops without any underlying conditions because it runs in someone’s family.
One of the more extreme procedures is arthrodesis.
Then there’s tendon transfer surgery, which can restore the foot’s mobility and alleviate built-up tension.
The surgeon moves a tendon (they don’t actually transplant it) to achieve this.
If you do experience pain, doing some foot stretches can go a long way.
They can give you specialized exercises that can stretch and strengthen the necessary muscles to prevent and treat pain.
Buying the right shoes can also go a long way.
Orthotic shoe inserts can make a world of a difference, as can wearing corrective shoes.
In some cases, losing weight can also make a difference, especially if someone is overweight.
Losing a few pounds can take some pressure off the feet and relieve pain.
There’s a reason ballerinas have strong calf muscles they do a lot of work on their toes!
Doing this exercise can also bring relief to those who have plantar fasciitis.
“That motion stretches out the plantar fascia ligament, eradicating tightness and easing soreness,” Perkins explains.
It can still be fun as long as you do it with proper support, Perkins says.
“Aim for no more than three 10- to 15-second attempts,” Perkins advises.
