Overpronation
Overpronation is a condition in which the foot rolls
excessively down and inward. The arch may elongate and collapse (or
‘fall’) and the heel will lean inward. Overpronation should not be
confused with pronation.
Pronation is a normal motion of the foot during weight bearing and allows the foot to absorb shock as it contacts the ground.
Common conditions seen with overpronation:
- Heel pain or plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonopathy
- Hallus Valgus and/or bunions
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Iliotibial band pain syndrome
- Low back pain
- Shin splints
- Stress fractures in the foot or lower leg
Underpronation is a condition commonly referred to
as supination. An underpronated foot structure may have an abnormally
high arch or instep that has very little flexibility when standing. The
heel often leans outward, putting more weight on the outer edge of the
foot. Callousing is common under the knuckle of the baby toe because of
the weight on the outside of the foot.
Common Conditions see with underpronation:
- Heel pain or plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonopathy
- Metatarsalgia
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Lateral ankle sprains
- Stress fractures in the foot and lower leg
- Medial tibial stress syndrome
Pedorthic Pointers for Patients
Overpronation and underpronation describe general foot movements.
These terms do not necessarily describe a medical problem with a foot.
For example, you can overpronate and not have any problems or symptoms
at all. It is important to have your foot structure and symptoms
adequately assessed by your prescribing physician and a qualified
practitioner such as a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. Once the
underlying conditions and mechanical faults are assessed, an appropriate
treatment plan including possible orthotic and footwear recommendations
can be made.
Adequate footwear can often help with conditions related to flat feet
and high arches. Canadian Certified Pedorthists recommend selecting
shoes featuring:
- Heel counters that make the heel of the shoe stronger to help
resist/reduce excessive rearfoot motions. The heel counter is the hard
piece in the back of the shoe that controls the foot’s motion from
side-to-side. You can quickly test the effectiveness of a shoe’s heel
counter by placing the shoe in the palm of your hand and putting your
thumb in the mid-portion of the heel, trying to bend the back of the
shoe. A heel counter that does not bend very much will provide superior
motion control.
- Appropriate midsole density - the firmer the density, the more it
will resist motion (important for a foot that overpronates or is pes
planus), and the softer the density, the more it will shock absorb
(important for a cavus foot with poor shock absorption)
- Wide base of support through the midfoot, to provide more support
under a foot that is overpronated or the middle of the foot is collapsed
inward.
If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, you should consult
your physician for a proper diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
Your doctor may refer you to a Canadian Certified Pedorthist for
pedorthic management services including orthopaedic footwear, shoe
selection guidance and orthotics.
Reference: Pedorthic Association Canada
