Over-pronation, or flat feet, is a common bio-mechanical problem that occurs in the walking process when a person’s arch collapses upon weight bearing. Normal pronation, or “turning inward” of the foot is necessary as the foot adapts to the ground. With excessive pronation/ over pronation, the arch flattens, collapses, and soft tissues stretch. When this happens, joints that should be stable now become very loose and flexible.This motion can cause extreme stress or inflammation on the plantar fascia, potentially causing severe discomfort and leading to other foot problems.
Over-pronation is very prominent in people who have flexible, flat feet. At first, excess pronation may cause fatigue. As the problem gets worse, strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the foot and lower leg can cause permanent problems and deformities.
There are many causes of flat feet. Obesity, pregnancy or repetitive pounding on a hard surface can weaken the arch leading to over-pronation. Often people with flat feet do not experience discomfort immediately, and some never suffer from any discomfort at all. However, when symptoms develop and become painful, walking becomes awkward and causes increased strain on the feet and calves.
Orthotics can be used and should be designed with appropriate arch support and medial rearfoot posting to prevent the over-pronation.
Footwear should also be examined to ensure there is a proper fit. Footwear with a firm heel counter is often recommended for extra support and stability. Improperly fitting footwear can lead to additional foot problems.
Over pronation is linked to just about every foot condition, including but not limited to bunions, metatarsalgia, osteochondrosis, corns, calluses and hammer toes.
Category: Over Pronation
We’ve all heard the term “Over Pronation,” but what does it mean?
It seems it is a much more common problem than most realize. Over pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward while taking a step, thus turning the lower leg inward. This action can put stress on the back, the hip and the knee.
One answer to the problem is “Orthotics.” This is a device that is made to slip into your footwear, to counter act the forces of your foot, caused by over pronation. Orthotics are sold in many shoe and sporting stores and can also be made to fit your foot exactly, by a podiatrist.
If you feel you over pronate, take steps to counter-act the forces that can create even more problems. Do it today!
The foot bone IS connected to the back bone………..
This is the honest truth! Especially when it comes to injuries to the leg. From the foot, all the way up to the top of your head, each bone is connected to another…..thus creating a chain. Injure one part of your body, such as the knee, hip or low back, and it can be caused by an abnormality in another part of the body, especially the foot! It’s the base of the body. It’s where you bear all your weight. Hitting the ground, when walking, with forces that are 1.2 times the body weight……….and when running, it’s 2.5 times. Forget jumping……5 times! The alignment of the foot, with all its many bones, tendons and muscles, influences the alignment and angles of all the bones further up the chain. This can lead to pain or injury anywhere in the body.