Overpronation is used to describe the way your foot moves when you walk. In people who overpronate, the outer edge of the heel hits the ground first, and then the foot rolls inward onto the arch. This overly flattens the foot. The way a person’s foot strikes the ground can affect the rest of their body. People who overpronate may have a high risk of certain injuries than people with normal pronation.
CAUSES
- Flat feet
- Individuals who have very flat feet or a collapsed arch tend to overpronate. Flat feet can develop as a result of genetics, standing for long periods of time, or wearing unsupportive footwear like flip-flops or slippers.
- Unsupportive footwear
- Standing or walking in high heels for an extended period of time puts a lot of strain and pressure on the arch and surrounding ligaments and muscles. Along those same lines, shoes that don’t fit properly, don’t have any arch support, are worn out in the sole, or slide around while you walk can cause the arch to flatten and roll inward excessively.
- Has inflammation or damage to the tendon
- obesity
- Being overweight or obese also can place more stress.
- Has arthritis that affects the cartilage and ligaments in the foot
TREATMENT
- Using orthotics
- A person with overpronation should choose supportive shoes, especially for activities that involve repeated foot strikes, such as running or walking.
- The person should choose shoes that offer extra support and stability to minimize the impact of each step.
- Doing exercises that strengthen the arches and muscles around them.
Authors
Dr . P. Senthil Selvam, PhD
Professor & HOD, School of Physiotherapy, VISTAS, Chennai.
Dr .D. Hepzibah Rubella, MPT (Ortho)
Research Scholar, School of Physiotherapy, VISTAS, Chennai.
Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)