What is wrong when a foot turns inward during walking?

Overpronation occurs when the foot rolls inward excessively, causing the arch to collapse. This can put strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot, ankle, and lower leg, leading to pain and injuries such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and ankle sprains.

Causes of overpronation

There are a number of factors that can contribute to overpronation, including:

* Foot structure: Some people have naturally flat feet or high arches, which can increase the risk of overpronation.

* Weak muscles: Weak muscles in the feet, ankles, and lower legs can make it difficult to control the foot's movement, leading to overpronation.

* Obesity: Excess weight can put extra stress on the feet and ankles, contributing to overpronation.

* Age: Overpronation becomes more common with age as the muscles and ligaments of the feet and ankles weaken.

Symptoms of overpronation

Overpronation can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

* Pain in the feet, ankles, or lower legs

* Shin splints

* Plantar fasciitis

* Ankle sprains

* Flat feet

* Bunions

* Hammertoes

Treatment for overpronation

There are a number of treatments for overpronation, including:

* Orthotics: Orthotics are devices that can be placed in shoes to help control the foot's movement and correct overpronation.

* Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the feet, ankles, and lower legs, which can help to correct overpronation.

* Weight loss: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to reduce the stress on your feet and ankles and reduce the risk of overpronation.

* Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct severe overpronation.