Over-Pronation and Pronation

Pronation is the normal movement of the foot that is necessary in order for the foot to absorb the shock of ground impact, and also to adapt to uneven terrain. During the movement described as pronation, the foot rolls inwards slightly towards the midline of the body.

Over-pronation and excess pronation are terms used to describe the abnormal motion of the foot when it rolls too far towards the midline of the body. Abnormal pronation is one of the most common mechanical causes of pain in the foot.

When the foot over-pronates, the foot rolls towards the midline of the body and the arches are placed under increased strain and collapse. During this arch collapse the ligaments, tendons, joints, and muscles of the foot are strained under the excessive load. It is this subtle repetitive stress placed on the joints, tendons and ligaments that, over time, causes injuries that can best be described as overuse injuries. These make up a large group of modern-day foot injuries.

The appearance of over-pronation is a drop in the height of the medial (inside) arch of the foot and a rolling of the foot towards the mid-line of the body. In some severe cases there is a complete flattening of the medial (inside) arch of the foot.

The symptoms of over-pronation may differ depending on the extent of the underlying problem, the age of the person and also the activity level of the individual. Some of the most common foot pains caused by pronation are.

Iliotibial band pain / Lateral (outside) knee pain, Children's Pains (Severs Disease/Osgoodschlatters Syndrome), Bunions (Hallux Abducto Valgus), Tired Aching Legs, Flat Feet/Collapsed Arches, Shin Pain, Metatarsalgia / Ball of Foot Pain / Mortons Neuroma, Lower Back Pain, Knee Pain, Heel Pain/Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Spur

Docpods orthotic innersoles can be used to prevent excessive pronation by supporting the foot and preventing arch collapse. Docpods orthotics are an instant method to reduce over-pronation and overuse-related foot pain.