One of the most common causes of foot and leg discomfort is a condition known as over pronation. Normal pronation, or "turning inward", of the foot is necessary as the foot adapts to the ground. With over pronation, the arch flattens, collapses, and soft tissues stretch. This causes the joint surfaces to function at unnatural angles to each other. When this happens, joints that should be stable now become very loose and flexible. At first, over pronation may only cause fatigue. As the problem gets worse, strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the foot and lower leg can cause permanent problems and deformities.

APPEARANCE OF OVER PRONATION

1. When standing, your heels lean inward.

2. When standing, one or both of your knee caps turn inward.

3. Conditions such as a flat feet or bunions may occur.

4. You develop knee pain when you are active or involved in athletics. The knee pain slowly goes away when you rest.

5. You abnormally wear out the soles and heels of your shoes very quickly. 

SYMPTOMS OF OVER PRONATION

Symptoms can manifest in many different ways. The associated conditions depend on the individual lifestyle of each patient. Here is a list of some of the conditions associated with over pronation.

The use of foot orthotics has been researched and tested by leading institutions around the world, and is widely accepted in the medical community. Foot orthotics/ foot insoles are used in both public and private hospitals and clinics.

Clinical studies and field research verify the value of orthotics in relieving over pronation and improving structural integrity. Flexible orthotics control foot motion without restricting function and creating compensatory movement in other structures.

Sources:

American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists

Anthony RJ (1991) The Manufacture and Use of Functional Foot Orthoses.

Valmassey R (1998) Clinical Biomechanics of the Lower Extremity.

Whing W , Zernicke R(1998). Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury.

Journal of Applied Biomechanics

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Traditional Treatment

Over pronation insoles have been used for years to help people with over pronation. Traditionally when we think of insoles or orthotics we think of a hard plastic insert that is placed in the shoe. It cups the heel and supports the arch but because it is not flexible it does not extend the full length of the foot. This tends to make this type of orthotic uncomfortable, and ineffective for many people. It also repositions the arch using "brute force." Because it is not flexible it forces the arch into it's correct position but does nothing to relieve the pressure that is forcing the arch to collapse, causing over pronation, in the first place.

This type of hard plastic orthotic can actually cause increased pain in patients, which is the reason why we have recommended the Dr Foot's Sport Insoles for the treatment of over pronation. They provide a flexible yet incredibly supportive and stable treatment for over pronation.

Having feet that are pronated means that the arch of your foot is collapsed or lowered. This collapsing of the long arch of the foot can lead to more severe problems of the foot and ankle. Misalignment of the fragile bones of the feet can lead to arthritic pain, ligament destabilization, tendonitis and severe fascitis.

Insoles (orthotics) are designed to raise the arch, realign the foot, reduce pain and distribute weight evenly which also minimizes strain to the knees and spine.

Dr Foot's Insoles work wonders on problem-prone feet. These Insoles are biomechanically engineered to help relieve pronation. The contoured shape supports your feet in two directions, both lengthwise and across the arch, for maximum relief of pain and fatigue. The special poron heel cushion and the comfortable arch support helps to reduce shock absorption and fatigue. Dr Foot Sport Insoles are engineered to combat over pronation and provide greater stability and maximum support. Ideal for patients seeking arch support for prevention and treatment of over pronation.

Dr Foot's Sport Insoles treats the underlying cause of over pronation and provides comfort for sufferers of conditions such as Back Pain, Heel Pain, Bunions, Flat Feet, Neuroma, Foot Pain, Metatarsalgia, Shin Pain and Achilles Pain.