WHAT IS OVERPRONATION?

By: Sara John, C.Ped (C)., C.Ped Tech (C)

There are two phases that can be observed in gait or walking – stance and swing. During stance phase, the foot is on the ground and during the swing phase, the foot is moving forward through the air. Problems usually occur in the stance phase.

Pronation is a normal part of walking or running. When the outside edge of the heel hits the ground in the stance phase, it locks or supinates to deal with the shock wave. This is followed by rolling in of the foot and the heel moves forward. Together these actions cause unlocking or pronation to help absorb shock and adapt to all surfaces. If the foot rolls inward too far, it is called overpronation.

When the foot is not properly absorbing the shock of the stride, it is passed on to the legs, knees, hips, and back. This also forces the smaller toes to take on all the work of pushing off for the next step.  If the arches do not support the step well, the foot rolls too far inward, twisting the foot, leg, and knee and forcing the body out of proper alignment.

Flat feet, injuries, arthritis, weight gain, aging etc are some of the factors that contribute to overpronation.

If uncorrected, overpronation can cause symptoms like pain in lower leg after activities, tightness of calf muscles, and lead to conditions like bunions, calluses, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, repetitive injuries, stress fractures, chronic discomfort in knees, hips etc.

Uneven heavier wear on the inside of the sole of the footwear is a sign of overpronation.

Custom made orthotics aid to treat and prevent overpronation, thus avoiding the many associated symptoms.