Hollow feet: your feet deserve the best support
Our feet are the foundation of our body - they not only carry us through everyday life, but also influence our entire posture and movement. If this foundation is out of balance, as is the case with a hollow foot (pes cavus), complaints can extend far beyond the feet. Foot, ankle and back pain are common companions that can limit your mobility and quality of life. A hollow foot is more than just a foot misalignment: it requires you and your body to make constant adjustments, which can be stressful in the long term. But there are ways in which you can give your feet the support they need. In this blog, you'll find out why your feet are so important for your health, how to recognise the signs of fallen arches and what you can do to get back to active everyday life with a stronger foundation.
What are the best tips for relieving hollow foot pain?
- regular foot exercises: Strengthen your foot muscles with targeted exercises such as toe curls and foot waves to improve stability and reduce pain.
- choosing the right shoes: Make sure your shoes offer enough space in the forefoot area, have a flexible sole and support the arches of your feet.
- orthopaedic insoles: Use customised orthopaedic insoles to correct foot position and relieve pressure points.
- stretching exercises: Regular stretching of the calf and foot muscles can relieve tension and increase the mobility of the foot.
- medical advice: Consult a specialist doctor or physiotherapist to develop a targeted therapy and recognise potential injuries at an early stage.
What is a hollow foot?
A hollow foot, also known as pes cavus, is a foot deformity in which the natural longitudinal arch of your foot is excessively pronounced. In contrast to a normal foot, where the arch of the foot distributes the weight evenly, in a hollow foot the pressure is mainly on the heel and forefoot. The metatarsal arch is strongly arched upwards and barely or not at all touches the ground when standing or walking. This deformity can be congenital or develop over the course of a lifetime. Congenital forms are often genetic and become apparent in childhood. Acquired hollow feet, on the other hand, can be triggered by various causes, such as injuries like bone fractures that affect the arch of the foot or neurological diseases that weaken the nervous system and therefore the foot muscles. Overloading and chronic incorrect loading can also favour the development of a hollow foot. The main problem with a hollow foot is the uneven distribution of pressure: while normal feet distribute the body weight evenly over the entire sole of the foot, certain areas of the foot are subjected to excessive strain in the case of a hollow foot. This can lead to a variety of complaints, including pain at the pressure points, calluses, recurring pressure points and, in severe cases, incorrect loading of the knees, hips and back. The external characteristics of a hollow foot are often easily recognisable: the back of the foot is noticeably arched upwards and large parts of the metatarsus are often missing in barefoot impressions. A tendency towards unstable movements or frequent twisting of the foot can also be a sign of a hollow foot. Although a hollow foot may initially appear to be an isolated problem, it is closely linked to the overall health of your musculoskeletal system. Early recognition and targeted measures can help to prevent long-term complaints.
How can you recognise a hollow foot?
Typical signs of a hollow foot are:
- Strong arching of the foot: Your arch is clearly visible even when you are standing.
- Pain or pressure points: Pressure points or calluses may occur, especially in the ball of the foot or heel.
- Instability: You may feel unsteady when walking because your foot is less stable.
- Problems with shoes: You notice that many shoes do not fit properly or pinch in certain areas.
If you are unsure, a specialist or orthopaedic surgeon can make an accurate diagnosis.
Effects on health and quality of life
A hollow foot can cause various problems that can affect your overall well-being. Many people suffer from pain in the foot that can spread to the knees and back. This pain often results from unnatural strain on the muscles and ligaments caused by the misalignment of the foot. In addition, a hollow foot can increase the risk of misalignment in the joints, which can lead to further complaints in the long term. It is important to be aware of the potential risk of injury, as insufficient support in the arches of the feet can lead to overuse and increase the risk of injury, especially during sporting activities. Early detection and appropriate treatment of these problems are important to reduce long-term discomfort and improve quality of life.
Tips for relieving hollow foot symptoms and promoting foot health
If you suffer from hollow feet, there are some practical tips that can help relieve your feet and promote their health. One of the most important measures is to regularly stretch and strengthen the muscles in your feet. Targeted exercises such as toe raises, heel raises and rolling a tennis ball under your foot can be helpful. Choosing the right shoes also plays an important role – they should offer sufficient space and ensure good cushioning and lateral support. In addition, orthopaedic insoles that are individually tailored can provide relief by improving foot position and reducing incorrect loading. If you gradually incorporate the above measures into your daily routine, you will notice improvements over time that can relieve your hollow feet and increase the overall well-being of your feet.
If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, you should consult a doctor or specialist.
MERINO RUNNERS
Merino Runners are not only stylish, but also a good option for your foot health, especially if you suffer from high arches. The soft merino wool material adapts well to your foot and provides stability and flexibility. Thanks to the innovative EVA sole and slightly raised heel, pressure is distributed evenly, which can help reduce sore feet and pressure points that often accompany high arches. In addition, the breathable material reduces unpleasant odours caused by bacterial growth, keeping your feet feeling fresh even when wearing the shoes without socks. With Merino Runners, you are investing in comfort and foot health, whether walking or running.
MERINO MOKASSIN
The Merino Moccasin is a great choice, especially if you suffer from foot problems such as high arches. Thanks to the innovative Easy Fit closure system, you can adjust the moccasins to fit your feet perfectly, saving you time when putting them on and ensuring that your feet are comfortably enclosed. The flexible heel and elastic seams can minimise pressure points, which can often cause problems with foot deformities such as high arches. The high-quality merino wool upper not only ensures good comfort, but also regulates temperature, which is beneficial for foot health. The ultra-light EVA sole with Micro-Grip technology offers good grip when walking and can reduce the risk of instability and uncomfortable pressure points. So with these moccasins, you can not only look fashionable, but also do something good for your feet at the same time.
The hollow foot, a foot deformity with an excessively high arch, can lead to painful symptoms and long-term problems that can affect not only the feet but also the knees and back. The causes are varied and can be genetic, neurological or injury-related. Early detection is important to prevent further discomfort. Practical measures such as targeted exercises to strengthen and stretch the foot muscles, wearing suitable shoes and using orthopaedic insoles can help promote foot health and improve well-being.
If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, you should consult a doctor or specialist.
