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Hollow foot

A hollow foot (pes cavus) is a foot deformity in which the longitudinal arch of the foot is excessively pronounced. As a result, often only a small part of the foot touches the ground - usually the heel and ball of the foot - while the middle part of the foot remains elevated. This deformity can lead to pain and problems when walking.

Causes:

• Genetic predisposition
• Neurological diseases (e.g. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, spastic paralysis)
• Muscle imbalances (imbalance between muscles that raise or lower the arch of the foot)
• Incorrect loading or injuries

Symptoms:

• High instep of the foot
• Pain in the sole of the foot, especially in the heel and forefoot area
• Pressure points, calluses or corns
• Instability when walking, increased risk of twisting an ankle
• Possible misaligned toes (e.g. claw toes or hammer toes)

Treatment options:

Conservative (non-surgical):

• Orthopaedic insoles or special shoes for pressure distribution
• Physiotherapy & foot gymnastics to strengthen the foot muscles
• Stretching exercises to loosen shortened muscles
• Bandages or orthoses for stabilization

Operational:

• If there is severe discomfort or incorrect loading
• Tendon lengthening or rearrangement of the foot bones depending on the severity

Exercises for support:

1. Arch massage with a tennis ball
2. Toe gripping with towels or marbles
3. Stretching exercises for the calf muscles