In normal walking or running, the first part of the foot to strike the ground is usually the heel. As your body weight is transferred to the middle of the foot, the arch of the foot will naturally flatten out a small amount. This flattening is called pronation. If your foot flattens more than is normal, it is called over-pronation. Over-pronation can cause many problems, such as Achilles tendonitis and heel pain, and can contribute to knee problems.
Over-pronation occurs when you are walking or running and your foot hits the ground and the arch and the bones in your feet flatten out and roll inward. This can occur because of looseness in the ligaments or tendons that attach to your foot bones. You can be born with this type of problem or it can result from injuries or overuse.
Over-pronation can cause pain in your arch, heel, shin, ankle, knee, hip, or back.
Your healthcare provider will examine your feet and watch you walk or run. He or she will check the motion of your feet when they strike the ground. Your running shoes may show an abnormal pattern of wear.
Over-pronation and the problems that go with it are best treated with a special type of arch support called orthotics. You can buy orthotics at a pharmacy or athletic shoe store or they can be custom-made. Orthotics are usually made by making a mold of your feet so your specific foot problem can be taken care of. Orthotics are made from several types of material, ranging from spongy rubber to hard plastic.
Over-pronation is usually caused by a problem with your feet that you were born with. Wearing orthotics in your shoes may help prevent problems from over-pronation.
