What Are the Causes of Subtalar Joint Pronation?

The subtalar joint links the foot's motion with motion of other lower extremity joints. Pronation of the joint is when, during walking, the joint itself goes in a down and outward direction, the heel goes inward and other joints rotate unnaturally.

Sports

• Some movements during sports activities can encourage subtalar joint pronation. According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, the increased force with which the foot hits the ground during sports contributes to pronation.

Wedge

• According to Kevin Kirby, DPM, a rearfoot varus wedge can cause subtalar joint pronation. Such a wedge is put into the heel of a shoe to change a person's gait.

Tight Hamstrings

• Tight hamstrings in a runner or walker can cause subtalar joint pronation. The tightness changes the mechanism of the knee movement, which in turn affects the tibia and subtalar joint movement, leading to pronation.

Warnings

• Subtalar joint pronation leads to problems not just of the foot and ankle, but of the entire lower extremity, and possibly both lower extremities.

Long-Term Effects

• The knee, tibia, fibula and even hip joints can be affected long-term. If the extremity with the pronation is favored, this will have a negative effect on the other extremity by causing it extra stress.