Symptoms of a hollow foot
The symptoms of a hollow foot are relatively characteristic. In addition to the conspicuous external change of the foot, in which the longitudinal arch of the foot on the underside of the foot has a strong upward curvature, severe pain is one of the main symptoms of a hollow foot. The pain typically occurs under stress, for example when walking, running or standing for a long time.
They are usually located on the inside and outside of the foot in the area of the metatarsal bones. Pain can also occur in the area of the tarsal. Since the foot is particularly strained in some places due to the malpositioning, changes in the skin of the foot are also frequent. Increased callus formation in the area of the inner and outer side of the metatarsus is therefore more frequent (see: callus on the foot). In addition, increased tendon tension leads to a certain immobility of certain joints of the foot.
Treatment of a hollow foot
The therapy of a hollow foot depends on its severity and the cause of its development. If the cause is known, the underlying disease should be treated first. In general, a distinction is made between conservative and operative therapy as well as symptomatic treatment:
- Conservative therapy: Conservative therapy is used at the beginning of the treatment of the hollow foot.
This means that the hollow foot can be corrected to a certain degree with the help of specially made insoles. The insoles help to correct the imbalance between the muscle groups.
- Surgical therapy: Surgical therapy of a hollow foot only takes place after the failure of conservative therapy. There are various procedures for the correction of the hollow foot.
In an osteotomy of the foot, bone parts are cut through and fixed in a displaced position. Arthrodesis, on the other hand, is intended to significantly reduce the discomfort caused by artificial stiffening of certain joints.
- Symptomatic treatment: Painkillers can provide relief from the pain of high arches.
Special insoles are an important part of the therapy of a hollow foot. Thus, conservative therapy is mainly based on wearing these insoles.The insoles can help to eliminate the imbalance between the muscle groups on the foot and lower leg, and thus the cause of the development of the hollow foot, thus reducing the discomfort.
In addition to insoles, adapted night splints can also help to correct the position of the high arch. In order to achieve an optimal treatment goal, the insoles should be individually made and placed in the most frequently worn shoe. It is advisable to check regularly for any necessary readjustment.
There are a number of different materials and different types of insoles. The advice of an experienced orthopedic specialist, i.e. a specialist in the treatment of a hollow foot, as well as regular therapy checks are essential for the success of the treatment. The operation of a hollow foot can be considered if conservative treatment methods have not been successful.
There are different possibilities to treat a hollow foot with a surgical intervention. A common procedure used to treat a hollow foot is the so-called osteotomy (more precisely: calcaneus osteotomy). In this procedure, a bone of the tarsal, the calcaneus, is divided into two pieces and reattached in a displaced position.
After the bone has healed, the hollow foot usually improves. Another treatment option is the so-called arthrodesis, in which certain joints of the foot are artificially stiffened. Since this is a permanent stiffening of the joints, this operation is only considered in particularly severe cases. Which operation is appropriate in an individual case depends on the underlying disease as well as the severity of the hollow foot and is discussed in detail with the treating physician.
