Overpronation triggers when the foot and ankle roll too far inward when you walk.
This movement strains the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your feet and legs.
However, the problem may arise due to weak and imbalanced muscles and conditions like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.
Hayden Scott / 500px / Getty Images
Overpronation usually improves with custom orthotics, supportive taping or braces, and exercise therapy.
Hayden Scott / 500px / Getty Images
What Is Overpronation?
Overpronation happens when the foot rolls too far inward as your weight transfers from your heel to your toes.
Then, the big toes take on too much pressure as they push off the ground.
During overpronation, the arch flattens.
As a result, it can’t absorb shock, and muscles and tendons take on extra stress.
Your ankle may also roll inward, placing excessive pressure on the ligaments.
Causes
Overpronation can be caused or worsened by flatfeet.
However, weak, injured, stretched, or imbalanced muscles may also cause the problem.
Muscle you don’t suspect may contribute to overpronation.
Weak hip muscles may increase your risk of overpronation.
Flatfeet
Children may have overpronation due to flat feet.
However, most outgrow the condition as they gradually develop stronger arches.
Adults can develop flatfeet, a condition called progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD).
Risk factors for PCFD include:
Women also have a higher risk of PCFD than men.
Overpronation isnt a medical condition; its a movement pattern.
In some cases, the disorders brought on by overpronation may be the first sign of the movement problem.
If the arch area is wet, theres a good chance you overpronate.
The most common treatments for overpronation are wearing supportive shoes or insoles.
Exercises and stretches can also help.
Rarely, you may need surgery to correct flatfeet that can cause overpronation.
Supportive Shoes
The first course of treatment for overpronation is to wear more supportive footwear.
This can include specialized shoes or inserts that support the foot and arch while reducing ankle movement.
People with overpronation should look for shoes that have firm support in the heel and mid foot.
This will help prevent too much movement.
Taping and Bracing
Kinesiology tapingand bracing can support your foot and reduce or prevent overpronation.
Orthotics
If you have moderate or severe overpronation, your healthcare provider might recommend customorthotics.
Prescription orthotics improve overpronation by providing excellent support to the foot, arch, and ankle.
you might purchase orthotics from shoe stores and pharmacies.
However, they’re not designed to correct problems and stabilize your foot.
Custom orthotics are designed to fit your feet and provide individualized support.
Exercises and Stretches
Exercises and stretches can also help with overpronation.
The exercises included:
Surgery
Rarely, someone with severe overpronation will needsurgery to treat flatfeet.
Reconstruction realigns the bones to better support the arch and reduce overpronation.
A metal implant is used in surgery for flatfeet to stabilize the area.
Outlook
Most people can overcome the problem of overpronation with supportive shoes, orthotics, and exercises.
Summary
Overpronation is a movement pattern in which the foot rolls excessively inward.
The rolling may cause the arch to collapse, or an existing flatfoot may cause the overpronation.
You may also have weak, damaged, or imbalanced muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Overpronation puts excessive strain on your feet and legs.
Supportive shoes, orthotic inserts, and exercises are the most common treatments for overpronation.
Some people with severe overpronation may require surgery.
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