Hollow foot is a type of deformation that can cause great discomfort. One of the factors leading to a hollow foot is e.g. wearing too small shoes. What else causes this deformity? How can pain be reduced? What does rehabilitation of a hollow foot look like?

Hollow footis a deformation consisting in excessive arching of the foot in its middle section, i.e. between the metatarsal heads and the heel tumor. As a result, the foot becomes shorter and higher in the raise.

Hollow foot - causes

The main predisposing factors for the formation of a hollow foot are:

  • muscle imbalance resulting from developmental changes in the lower section of the spinal cord (spina bifida)
  • cerebral palsy
  • spastic paresis
  • muscle diseases
  • changes in the peripheral nerves
  • wearing too tight socks or shoes

The defect may appear already in childhood, usually it is formed during the so-called growth jumps, i.e. periods when a child grows intensively. Children between the ages of 10 and 14 should pay particular attention to their feet. If you notice that when you sit down freely with the foot completely relieved, it looks bent, strained, or even if any deformation occurs, or your child simply complains of pain in the feet, see an orthopedist or neurologist as soon as possible.

Worth knowing

In order not to lead to the development of a hollow foot, you should take care of the child's appropriate footwear from an early age. The shoes should not be too small, so once a month it is worth checking if the fingers are not stuffing them anymore. It is also worth regularly monitoring the development of not only the feet, but the entire skeletal system of the child, i.e. systematically visiting the orthopedist. We should also remember that the child should assume the correct posture at the desk, because the curvature of the spine "reflects" even on the feet.

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Hollow foot - symptoms. Characteristics of a hollow foot

  • arching of the metatarsus, shortening the length of the foot and raising the instep
  • plantar fascia contracture
  • contractureshort flexor muscles
  • claws positioned toes (strongly bent) - this symptom results from paresis of the short muscles and shortening of the plantar fascia
  • foot pain, mainly in the support points
  • numerous impressions on the padding and on the fingers
  • locomotion disorders, reduced mobility
  • uneven abrasion on the sole of the shoes

Hollow foot - treatment

Treatment of a hollow foot mainly includes physiotherapy and corrective exercises aimed at strengthening the foot muscles, removing contractures and stretching and relaxing the foot.

The exercises are supported by:

  • massages
  • orthopedic shoes
  • insolesorthopedicfor hollow foot , preferably individually made

If the deformity is very advanced, it may be necessary to undergo surgery to correct the bones, extend the tendons, trim the muscles and lower the canopy. The limb is immobilized for a period of 3 weeks to 3 months, and then relieved (by moving in the orthosis) for approx. 6 months, so that the muscles and tendons have time to heal.

Worth knowing

An untreated hollow foot can overload the heel and metatarsal heads, as well as the formation of painful calluses, corns, and corns.

Category:

Neurology