Pit Bottom Disease

Pes cavus is a term known as high arch, high sole, hollow foot.

The arch of the foot is supported by a fiber called the tibialis posterior tendon. When this fiber does not work, it causes a flat-footed foot, and when it overworks, it causes high arch, i.e. pes cavus. This disease can be caused by genetic and neurological effects.

Pes Cavus (hollow sole) Symptoms and Diagnosis

It can be easily detected even in childhood and is usually manifested by frequent falls of the child. Since the foot cannot spring while walking, there is a false springing on the sides of the fifth toe comb bone. This leads to frequent sprains of the foot. Calluses form on the toes, especially under the first and fifth toes, due to increased pressure in order to bear the body load. Since the lateral parts of the foot will bear the entire load, symptoms such as outer lateral leg pain and associated low back pain occur.

The diagnosis of this condition is based on physical examination and radiographs. Since it may also have neurological effects, this condition can also be examined by a neurologist. MRI, EMG, blood tests are performed.

What are the Causes of Hollow Bottom (Pes Cavus)?

The most common cause is association with neurological disorders.

Diseases that commonly cause this condition;

Cerebral Palsy
Poliomyelitis (polio),
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT disease),
Muscular dystrophies (such as Duchen)

Pit Bottom (Pes Cavus) Treatment

Early diagnosis is important in pes cavus, just like any other disease.

Exercise is of great importance at the beginning of this disease. These exercises mostly include stretching movements. Afterwards, treatments such as supported silicone insoles orthosis, wide and soft special shoes can be tried.

In the later stages of Pes Cavus, surgery may be required. Tendon transfer (fiber transplant) or soft tissue and bone operations may also be required.

With more than 20 years of experience, we serve our patients in our polyclinic. You can contact us for all your hollow sole problems. For this, you can contact us at any time through the channels on our web page.