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 do you recognise a hollow foot?
Typical signs of a hollow foot are - Severe arching of the back of the foot: Your arch is clearly visible, even when you are standing. - Pain or pressure points: Pressure points or calluses may appear, especially in the ball of the foot or heel area. - Instability: You may feel unsteady when walking as the foot is less stable. - Problems with shoes: You notice that many shoes don't fit properly or pinch in certain places. If you are unsure, a specialist or orthopaedist can make an accurate diagnosis.
Recognising and treating 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, which can spread to the knees and back. This pain often results from unnatural strain on the muscles and ligaments caused by the foot misalignment. In addition, a hollow foot can increase the risk of misalignments in the joints, which can lead to further discomfort in the long term. It is important to be aware of the potential risk of injury, as insufficient support in the arches of the foot can lead to overloading and increase the risk of injury, especially during sporting activities. Early detection and adequate treatment of these problems are crucial to prevent long-term damage and improve quality of life.
Tips for relieving plantar fasciitis and promoting foot health
If you suffer from bunions, there are some practical tips that can help you to relieve the strain on your feet and promote their health. One of the most important measures is regular stretching and strengthening of the foot muscles. Targeted exercises such as toe lifts, heel lifts and rolling a tennis ball under your foot are very effective. Choosing the right shoes also plays a decisive role - they should offer sufficient space and ensure good cushioning and lateral support. In addition, customised orthopaedic insoles can provide enormous relief by correcting the foot position and reducing incorrect loading. If you gradually integrate the above measures into your everyday life, you will notice improvements over time, which can relieve your hollow foot and increase the general well-being of your feet.
MERINO RUNNERS
The Merino Runners are not only stylish, but also a great option for your foot health, especially if you suffer from a hollow foot. The soft merino wool material moulds perfectly to your foot and gives it the stability and flexibility you need. Thanks to the innovative EVA sole and the slightly raised heel, the pressure is optimally distributed, which helps you to avoid painful feet and pressure points that are often associated with a hollow foot. The breathable material also ensures that unpleasant odours caused by bacterial colonisation are prevented, giving you a fresh feeling, even if you wear the shoes without socks. With Merino Runners, you are investing in comfort and foot health, whether you are walking or running.
MERINO MOKASSIN
The Merino moccasins are an excellent choice, especially if you suffer from foot problems such as hollow feet. Thanks to the innovative Easy Fit fastening system, you can customise the moccasins, which saves you a lot of time when putting them on and also ensures that your foot is comfortably enclosed. The flexible heel and elasticated seams minimise pressure points, which can often cause problems with foot deformities such as hollow feet. The high-quality merino wool upper not only ensures absolute comfort, but also regulates the temperature, which is important for foot health. The ultra-light EVA sole with micro-grip technology provides exactly the support you need when walking and reduces the risk of instability and uncomfortable pressure points. With these moccasins, you can not only look fashionable, but also do something good for your feet at the same time.
SHOP WOMEN
SHOP MEN
Hollow foot, a foot deformity with an excessively high arch, can lead to painful symptoms and long-term problems that 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 crucial to prevent further damage. Practical measures such as targeted exercises to strengthen and stretch the foot muscles, wearing suitable shoes and using orthopaedic insoles can help to promote foot health and improve well-being in the long term.
