Pronation and Overpronation:

pronation-feet-standing

Pronation of the feet is the normal bone and joint motions that occur when they roll inward after the heel strikes the ground. This allows the rest of the foot to be ideally positioned to absorb ground pressure and support your body weight with each step. 

However, when our feet roll inward too early, too much or for too long, the forces through the foot joints, bones and muscles are stretched beyond the ideal neutral position. This is referred to as overpronation. This excessive motion can occur in the heel, but also in the midfoot and forefoot areas. 

When left untreated, overpronation potentially causes problems not only in the foot bones, joints and muscles, but structures higher up in the leg, knees, hips and potentially in the spine as well. 

During running, sports and other activities and activities that require prolonged standing and walking (particularly on hard man-made surfaces such as cement and hardwood floors), various injuries are more likely to occur. 

Does Excessive Pronation mean I have “Flat Feet”?

pronation-pes-planusNot everyone who overpronates has flat feet that are visible to the eye.  Some people may have normal to high arches but overpronate at the midfoot rather than beginning at the heel. When standing walking and running, it is normal for body weight to cause the foot arches to flatten out somewhat.

Some people with flat feet do not notice or feel too much pain, particularly when they are in their teens.  An estimated 20-30 percent of the entire population has some form of flat feet, ranging in severity from no symptoms to considerable pain. Overpronation is characterized by the arch of the foot collapsing farther and for longer than is optimal for a person’s joints, which causes more of the sole of the foot to come into contact with the ground.

Pain around the knee and lower leg areas can arise because flat feet can alter proper foot and leg alignment, which will put unusual strain on the knee. Adults can develop the condition as the result of injury or even from normal wear and tear due to the natural aging process, particularly if a person does not know how to choose good shoes for themselves. The fact that we primarily walk on hard surfaces, like cement and hardwood flooring, further aggravates a genetic predisposition to overpronate.  Custom orthotics are effective in reducing the dysfunction and pain of foot overpronation.

Toronto Orthotics Foot, Leg and Back Pain Clinic – North Toronto

Relief from Plantar Fasciitis, Foot, Leg and Lower Back Pain


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