|  | Conditions Treatments | Bones, Joints Muscles

Pronation Foot Problems

When we walk, run or move, our feet hit the ground in a particular way. Normally, the heel is the first part of the foot to touch the ground. Body weight then shifts to the middle of the foot, and the arch of our feet flattens out a bit. This flattening process is called pronation. If too much or too little pronation occurs, problems can result with the feet, and/or the knees and legs.

  1. Pronation Problems

    • When your foot flattens too much, the bones within the feet flatten and go inwards. This is called over-pronation. Over-pronation can be caused by walking or running improperly, overexertion, injuries, or wearing the wrong kind of shoes. The problem may also be inherited. Flat feet are also associated with pronation problems. Pronation problems can lead to tendonitis and pain in the heel of the foot, as well as knee problems.

    Flat Feet

    • Flat feet is a common foot condition. Flat feet are normal in young children who have just begun to walk. However, an arch is supposed to develop in the foot as children grow and walk more. If the arch does not form properly and the feet remain flat, pronation problems exist. Persistent flat foot can lead to a condition called tibialis posterior tendonitis (or adult flat foot) in which the tendons of the foot become stretched, torn or inflamed. If left untreated, adult flat food can cause chronic pain in the foot and lead to disability.

    Diagnosis

    • Your doctor can diagnose persistent flat foot or over-pronation by looking at your feet and/or watching you walk or run. He may also be able to tell that you have a pronation problem if your shoes show abnormal wear and tear.

    Treatment

    • Orthotics, to support the foot arches, are the major treatment for pronation that causes foot problems. Orthotics help ensure that your foot achieves the proper arch and that your gait is proper.

    Prevention

    • Pronation problems can be heredity or genetic. You may be born with the problem, or you may develop it through injury or accident. Unfortunately, in large part, pronation is not preventable. However, the symptoms and foot problems caused by pronation problems are usually solved by orthotics.

      Over-pronation is usually caused by a problem with your feet that you were born with. However, the problems associated with over-pronation can be prevented by wearing orthotics in your shoes.

Bones, Joints Muscles - Related Articles