PRONATED FOOT

To pronate is to turn or rotate the foot inward so that the inner edge of the sole bears the body's weight. The right way for the foot to land is to hit the ground heel first. Body weight is then passed along by the arch toward the outside of the foot and upward to the ball of the foot.

A pronated foot is one that rolls inward when walking or running and does not properly pass the weight over the foot. This creates a biomechanical problem that stresses the foot and lower leg. The knee and hip are affected as well because of the inward rotation of the leg.

People with pronating feet are at risk for developing overuse injuries, such as ankle and Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, heel and kneecap pain, and heel spurs. People who have excessive pronation are said to have flat feet. They are particularly sensitive to overuse injuries such as stress fractures and tendonitis. The problem of pronation or "flat feet" will not go away for you were, most likely, born with it.

A sign of over-pronation is abnormal shoe wear toward the inside of the shoe. Stable shoes with proper arch supports and cushioning can help correct the symptoms of the problem.

The shoes should be designed for the activity and the foot problem. For example, running shoes would not be right for playing basketball because they are designed for forward motion. Playing basketball requires side-to-side movement and basketball shoes provide the proper stability for the foot and ankle. The same concept is true for walking shoes. Do not try to use walking shoes for jogging because there will not be enough cushioning in the sole of the shoe to absorb the shock.

Shoe inserts, called orthotics, will correct abnormal foot motion and alignment. They can make foot motion more efficient and correct structural imbalances. Orthotics can relieve discomfort and reduce the risk of foot injury. A podiatrist or an orthopedist should prescribe and fit the right shoe to your foot.

Get a medical examination before starting an exercise program. This exam will reveal any existing pronation and other biomechanical problems. The information learned will help you avoid overuse injuries in the foot or elsewhere.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File FOOT3353.RF2 VRS# 7555 Data Version 7.0