Overpronation

The team at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois has equipped the office with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology that serves to greatly benefit our patients. We utilize both diagnostic imaging and hands-on physical assessment to generate a comprehensive assessment of your condition. This means you receive treatment that is uniquely beneficial to your condition. If you are concerned about overpronated ankles, our team can conduct conclusive tests and recommend a course of action to correct them before the condition progresses any further.

According to this 2016 study, correcting overpronated foot posture reduced the likelihood of muscular injury by fixing the biomechanics of the foot structure and relieving pressure on muscle tissues in the leg.

Pronation and overpronation

Pronation refers to the natural movement of your foot as you walk or run. Pronation also occurs while standing still, and in this case, refers to how significantly the foot rolls inward toward the arch. Mild pronation is normal, however, Overpronation is when the foot rolls inward excessively and can cause both injuries as well as the development of other conditions.

Overpronation and Associated Injuries

The feet are the foundation of the body. Therefore, if your foot isn’t structurally sound or resilient to repetitive movements, it can have serious implications on the rest of your body. If the structure of your feet becomes compromised, your legs and back may try to compensate to maintain your balance and foundational strength.

Athletes with overpronation are at a higher risk of developing additional foot conditions as well as injury, including the following:

• Achilles tendonitis
• shin splints
• plantar fasciitis
• bunions
• heel pain
• chronic lower back pain
• stress fractures in the foot or lower leg
• patellofemoral pain syndrome

What Causes Foot Overpronation?

Overpronation tends to appear in patients with flat arches or highly flexible feet. In some cases, people are born with flat feet. There are also conditions that can increase a person’s risk of developing flat feet or weakened arches which, in turn, can lead to overpronation. These conditions and situations include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Activities involving repeated impact, such as running

Diagnosis

There is a simple series of self-assessment tests you can perform at home to determine if you have flat feet and a tendency to pronate, they are as follows:

• Observe your feet while standing. If there is no clear space between the foot and the floor where the arch should be, the person likely overpronates.
• If you are a runner, look at your running shoes and observe any wear and tear on the shoes. If it occurs on one side, mainly the inside of the foot, your feet are likely pronated.

If you have tried these tests and are still uncertain, or you would prefer a professional consensus, you should reach out to the expert podiatrists and orthopedists at Fook and Ankle Specialists of Illinois.

Overpronation Foot Therapy in Algonquin, Illinois

If your feet and ankles are causing you discomfort or pain, it is always best to have a professional assess your condition. Patients with flat feet or weakened arches are particularly at risk of developing foot pronation. Let us help you correct this condition before it progresses and leads to the development of other orthopedic conditions. Call our offices or schedule an appointment online today!