Overpronation in Flat Feet: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
So you’re on the market for a new pair of shoes and you’ve heard of neutral vs. overpronation shoes. Which one should I get? Which is the superior option? What do I require? Is it really that important?
Let’s begin with a quick primer on what pronation is, what causes overpronation, and why it matters.
What Exactly Is Pronation?
Overpronation in Flat Feet: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Pronation is a three-plane action of the foot that begins at the ankle’s sub-talar joint. The heel usually rolls inwards or medially, the arch descends, and the foot loosens or becomes more flexible. It begins when the heel makes contact with the ground and is an important and typical part of the gait cycle. Problems can emerge when there is too much pronation (like with many things, too much can be bad for you), too little pronation, or aberrant pronation.
What Causes The Foot To Pronate?
Pronation occurs for two basic reasons.
Natural shock absorption occurs when the foot pronates. The most essential reason the foot pronates is because of this. Pronation causes the foot to loosen and become more flexible as it strikes the ground, going from quite rigid as it hits the ground to looser and more flexible as it fully contacts the ground. This provides shock absorption, reducing the effect of the body weight striking the floor on the back, knees, and feet. As we walk or run, this relaxation of the foot also permits the foot to adapt to uneven surfaces.
Overpronation of the foot is caused by a number of factors.
Loose, hypermobile feet are by far the most common cause of overpronation. Basically, if your feet have loose joints, you will pronate excessively. Loose ligaments are the most common cause of sagging feet. Ligaments connect bone to bone and cross joints to hold the foot together. They enable too much motion across the foot when they are overly loose or stretched out. The foot takes on the appearance of a loose bag of bones. Loose ligaments are normally present from birth, however they can sometimes develop as a result of pregnancy or certain accidents. Overpronation can also arise as a result of congenital foot abnormalities or after an injury to the bones or joints.
What Are Overpronation’s Consequences?
Sometimes there’s nothing! Many people overpronate without even realizing it or experiencing any consequences or symptoms. Some people, on the other hand (or foot), suffer from several injuries, including:
Overuse damage to the tendons
Pain from inflammation
Fatigue
Damage to the joints
Arthritis
Sprains of the ankle
Bunions and hammertoes are the result of long-term alterations in the foot anatomy.
Nerve damage
What Is The Best Way To Deal With Overpronation?
If you’re experiencing pain as a result of overpronation, lowering it should be quite beneficial. A qualified professional evaluation is the best approach to determine whether your foot, limb, or back problems are caused by overpronation. Overpronation could cause any of these issues, but it’s also possible that they’re caused by something else entirely.
Orthotics for overpronation, which are specially manufactured insoles that are implanted within the shoe, are the best treatment for overpronation-related disease. It’s recommended to pair the orthotics with an overpronation shoe for men or women to truly stop overpronation and treat the difficulties that come with it. In actuality, you’re not only treating overpronation; you’re also regulating the underlying cause and the injury or pathology that comes with it. This necessitates the use of a well-made shoe as well as an orthotic. They complement each other.
Overpronation orthotics should include the following features:
Anatomical arch support that retains the foot in a “neutral position” and aligns the body.
The foot is cradled in a deep heel cup, which relieves pressure under the heel.
From heel to toe, there’s enough of cushioning to absorb and disperse stress pressures.
Overpronation orthotics are designed specifically for overpronation by IDEASTEP, an orthopedic footwear business. Learn more about IDEASTEP orthotic insoles by clicking here.
What are the best shoes for overpronation? To begin, what exactly is an overpronation shoe? Because pronation is a motion, it is usually a motion-controlling shoe. To control heel motion, which is a major component of pronation, the shoe must be stable and firm, with a robust heel counter (the piece in the back of the shoe). Furthermore, the midsole (the substance that connects the outside sole to the shoe) must be firm, with extra firm material on the medial side or inside. Many businesses have their own patented add-ons for greater motion control. All of these add-ons are designed to prevent overpronation while allowing for reasonable levels of pronation.
IDEASTEP shoes include a biomechanically developed orthotic insole that provides appropriate arch support and helps prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot. This important component appropriately positions the foot, which in turn aligns the hips, knees, and legs, reducing injuries and offering pain relief throughout the body. IDEASTEP overpronation shoes have a thick layer of foam that provides outstanding cushioning from the ball of the foot to the heel area for all-day comfort and protection. The lightweight ergonomic sole enhances mobility and smooths out each step.
I believe that motion control or pronation controlling shoes can be quite effective after 30 years of practice and years of marathon running with loose overpronating flat feet. Even with severe flat feet, they provide the best motion control when combined with orthotics. It’s also crucial to remember to replace your shoes on a regular basis since as the shoe ages, it loses its capacity to control motion. Shoes should be updated at least once a year, and more frequently if they are used frequently.