What are the treatment options for individuals dealing with foot overpronation when the foot and ankle move too much downward and inward?
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Pronation is the normal foot and ankle movement when taking a step and is usually associated with flat feet. Overpronation is a movement pattern in which the ankle rolls inward and downward, causing the footβs arch to collapse with each stride. Overpronation can strain the muscles and ligaments in the feet and legs, leading to heel pain, ankle pain, shin splints, and low-back pain. (Pedorthic Association of Canada, 2023) Orthotic inserts for shoes, prescribed stretches, ankle braces, physical therapy, and surgery can all help alleviate the impact of overpronation. (SΓ‘nchez-RodrΓguez, R. et al., 2020)
Some individuals with overpronation can have no symptoms at all. (Pedorthic Association of Canada, 2023) while others experience pain or other symptoms in their legs and feet. Overpronation is not a medical condition but a movement pattern that, if left untreated, can increase the risk for certain medical conditions because it strains the feet and leg muscles, joints, and ligaments.Β (SΓ‘nchez-RodrΓguez, R. et al., 2020) Certain medical conditions can be a sign of overpronation and include: (Pedorthic Association of Canada, 2023)
Individuals may also experience pain in the midfoot or hips, which can be a symptom of flat feet.
Pronation refers to the normal movement of the foot and ankle while walking. Overpronation and underpronation are both abnormal movement patterns.
Overpronation can be caused or worsened by flatfeet. However, some individuals have overpronation because their feet and ankles are very flexible, so they tend to move more. Risk factors for flatfeet can also increase the chances of developing overpronation and include:
Treating overpronation focuses on alleviating strain on muscles in the foot, ankle, and leg to relieve symptoms in the heel, ankle, knees, hips, or back. Common treatments are wearing supportive shoes and/or using foot orthotics. Exercises and stretches are also recommended to maintain flexibility and strength. Surgery is rare, but correcting flat feet that can cause overpronation may be recommended. (SΓ‘nchez-RodrΓguez, R. et al., 2020) Individuals with overpronation are advised to see a podiatrist who can explain the best treatment options.
The first course of treatment is to wear added supportive footwear. This can include specialized shoes or inserts that support the foot and reduce ankle movement. Individuals are advised to use shoes with firm heel and midfoot support to help prevent disproportionate movement. (Pedorthic Association of Canada, 2023)
A healthcare provider can recommend orthotics for individuals with moderate overpronation. These are meant to support the foot, especially the arch, and reduce overpronation. (Naderi A. Degens H. and Sakinepoor A. 2019) Individuals can purchase orthotics from shoe stores and elsewhere, but those with severe overpronation may need custom orthotics molded to the foot to provide individualized support.
Exercises and stretches can also help. AΒ study found that exercises targeting the feet, core, and hips helped correct pronation over nine weeks. The exercises included: (SΓ‘nchez-RodrΓguez, R. et al., 2020)
Rarely will surgery be needed to treat flat feet and severe overpronation. But if necessary, reconstruction realigns the bones to support the arch better and reduce overpronation. A metal implant is used for flatfeet to stabilize the area. Surgery can also repair torn tendons or other damage contributing to overpronation. (Healthline, 2020)
Individuals with overpronation but no symptoms donβt necessarily have to see a healthcare provider since this may be the bodyβs natural movement pattern. But if the feet, legs, hips, or back begin to present with pain and other symptoms, see a healthcare provider who can evaluate gait and recommend treatment options. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
Pedorthic Association of Canada. (2023). Overpronation and Underpronation Correction. pedorthic.ca/services/foot-health/pronation/
SΓ‘nchez-RodrΓguez, R., Valle-EstΓ©vez, S., Fraile-GarcΓa, P. A., MartΓnez-Nova, A., GΓ³mez-MartΓn, B., & Escamilla-MartΓnez, E. (2020). Modification of Pronated Foot Posture after a Program of Therapeutic Exercises. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(22), 8406. doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228406
Naderi, A., Degens, H., & Sakinepoor, A. (2019). Arch-support foot orthoses normalize dynamic in-shoe foot pressure distribution in medial tibial stress syndrome. European journal of sport science, 19(2), 247β257. doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1503337
Sulowska, I., Oleksy, Ε., Mika, A., Bylina, D., & SoΕtan, J. (2016). The Influence of Plantar Short Foot Muscle Exercises on Foot Posture and Fundamental Movement Patterns in Long-Distance Runners, a Non-Randomized, Non-Blinded Clinical Trial. PloS one, 11(6), e0157917. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0157917
Healthline. (2020). All About Surgery for Flat Feet: Pros and Cons. www.healthline.com/health/flat-feet-surgery
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The information herein on "Embarking on the Journey to Correct Overpronation" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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