Pronation Problems

Pronation is a natural process that occurs when walking. Every time a person takes a step, whether walking or running, the foot hits the ground in a certain way. The proper way is for the heel to touch the ground first. Then, when the weight of the body shifts, the middle of the foot touches the ground. As the middle of the foot touches the ground, the arch of the foot flattens. This flattening process is called pronation. When done properly, there are no symptoms and the process is an unconscious process that we do not notice. However, if a person's foot does not pronate properly, symptoms begin to occur.

Pronation Foot Problems

• The most common pronation problem that causes symptoms is over-pronation. This means that when you walk, your foot flattens too much. The extent of the flattening causes the bones to extend inwardly. This pronation problem may be caused by walking or running too fast or when wearing improper shoes, overexertion, or genetics. Symptoms associated with overpronation include pain in the heel, tendinitis (a swelling and inflammation of the Achilles tendon in the heel) and knee problems.

Flat Feet Symptom

• Flat feet may also cause pronation problems. When children are born, their feet are normally flat. As they begin to learn to walk and walk more, an arch is supposed to develop. If the arch ails to develop, the foot remains flat. The proper pronation can't occur as a result of the flat foot, and symptoms develop. Symptoms of this problem include a foot that looks too flat or is lacking in an arch, stretching of the foot tearing, inflammation of foot tendons, tearing of the foot tendons, pain or permanent disability.

Other Symptoms

• In addition to the symptoms described above, pronation problems are signified by pain in the shin ankle, hip, and back. These problems can be persistent and chronic, and intensify with walking or athletic activity.

Diagnosis

• Typically, pronation problems are diagnosed after a consultation with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. A doctor may also want to observe you walking and running to understand how the feet are pronating. Finally, a doctor can determine pronation problems by looking at your shoes, because those with pronation problems have abnormal wear patterns on their shoes due to the fact that they are not walking properly.

Treatment & Prevention

• Symptoms, and the pronation problem itself, are commonly treated by orthotics. Orthotics are worn in the shoes and correct the arch of the foot. They ensure that the proper pronation occurs, and that the heel touches first when walking followed by the arched foot.