PRONATION OF THE FOOT VS. OVERPRONATION OF THE FOOT
Pronation is a fundamental component of daily movement that facilitates pain-free walking and mobility that frequently goes unacknowledged. However, many people have a tendency to pronate more than necessary (overpronate), which may result in gait abnormalities and lead to pain while walking or running.
PRONATION
Pronation refers to the natural inward rolling of the foot that occurs while walking and running. Everyone pronates to some extent. It is part of the gait cycle, which includes the coordinated movements that keep us mobile while standing upright, as it allows the forefoot to make complete contact with the ground. Pronation serves as nature's mechanism for reducing shock on the feet, legs, and the rest of the body.
OVERPRONATION
Overpronation occurs when a person pronates excessively for prolonged periods, placing extra stress on the tendons and ligaments of the foot and ankle. When the foot is overpronated, it has to exert significantly more effort to propel the body, which can lead to fatigue and increased mechanical stress on the lower body.
Overpronation is the most common foot abnormality which can be caused by a number of factors including foot type, weight, and genetics. Improper footwear, walking or running on hard surfaces for extended periods of time, and pregnancy can worsen overpronation. Individuals who suffer from certain medical conditions, including (but not limited to) arthritis and diabetes are more likely to overpronate.
An overpronating foot can stretch and strain its structures, causing various issues in the joints, bones, and muscles, leading to a range of foot and lower body ailments, including:
- Plantar fasciitis (heel spurs)
- Hallux valgus (bunions)
-Flatfeet (can cause or worsen)
- Achilles tendonitis
- Corns and calluses
- Hammer toes or clawed toes
- Iliotibial band pain syndrome
- Calcaneal apophysitis
Shin splints
- Ankle pain
- Ankle sprains
- Stress fractures
- Medial knee pain (pain on the inside of the knee)
- Patellofemoral dysfunction (causes pain in the front of the knee)
- Hip pain
- Low back pain
Overpronation increases the risk of foot injuries and can lead to secondary issues that negatively affect the entire body. Whether you currently experience pain or not, it is crucial to have your lower body assessed regularly by a podiatric sports medicine specialist. This proactive approach ensures your lower body mechanics are monitored, and any potential issues are addressed early.
Custom orthotics help control alignment and function in the feet, allowing the foot structures to work together as intended by nature, resulting in pain-free movement. This is why orthotics have become the preferred non-surgical treatment for many foot and lower body issues, effectively addressing and correcting faulty biomechanics and reducing and eliminating pain while helping to prevent injuries that often stem from overpronation.
If you or someone that you care for suffers from pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and/or lower back, the pain may be due to misalignment caused by faulty biomechanics which can be treated and corrected with the help of custom orthotic insoles. To schedule your comprehensive biomechanical evaluation, visit drleecohen.com or call our Sports Medicine Podiatry Center and book an appointment at our Cherry Hill, N.J. Sports Medicine Facility or Ridley Park, P.A. Office location with one of our podiatric sports medicine specialists today by calling (610) 522-9200.