In order to understand what overpronation is, it’s important to first understand pronation and what it means to pronate. Pronation is a natural bodily foot movement that occurs when you walk or run. Your foot makes contact with the ground at the outside of the heel and then it rolls inward in order to distribute your weight and absorb shock. As the ankles tilt inward, the foot flattens and stretches.
A healthy degree of pronation is necessary but too much pronation can cause issues. With overpronation, the natural movement of pronation is exaggerated and the foot continues to roll at a time when it should be pushing off of the ground. This results in excess weight being transferred to the inner part of the sole of the foot rather than the ball of the foot as should happen. Overpronation can put stress on ligaments, muscles and tendons and in turn increases the risk of pain, injury and foot issues. Common conditions that can result from overpronation include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
- Achilles tendinitis
- Heel spurs
- Sprains
- Shin splints
- Hip, back and knee pain
WHAT CAUSES OVERPRONATION?
Loose joints and ligaments in the feet can increase the likelihood of overpronating. When the feet are “loose”, they may allow for excess movement when running and walking. Certain factors can contribute to loose joints and ligaments in the feet, including genetics, pregnancy, excess weight, specific kinds of injuries and certain types of foot deformities.
WHAT CAUSES OVERPRONATION?
If you think you overpronate, a gait analysis might be helpful. This can help determine if there are issues with the way you walk and run. If it’s determined that you overpronate, there are several solutions which can help manage the issue and reduce the risk of pain and injury.
Stabilizing shoes, insoles and orthotics are designed to provide additional arch support and help improve stability and alignment in order to balance natural movement and reduce stress on the lower body. Doctors can prescribe custom orthotics. Over-the-counter stabilizing support insoles are also available. Dr. Scholl’s® Stabilizing Support Insoles help boost stability and balance, improve ankle alignment and provide arch support in order to reduce the ability to overpronate and as a result, better distribute weight. The insoles include a shock-absorbing heel cup to help minimize stress on the legs.
Tape and braces can provide support and stability for the ankles in order to reduce pronation.
Icing and NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can reduce inflammation and pain associated with overpronation.
Physical therapy can help minimize the effects of overpronation, reducing pain and the risk of injury.