What is Pronation: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Pronation is a foot condition that affects many people. If you are one of the millions suffering from pronation, don’t worry – treatment is available. This article will discuss pronation, its symptoms, and how you can treat it.

What Is Pronation?

Pronation is a condition in which the foot rolls inward when walking or running. This can cause pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and hips. About 75% of normal pronation happens in the middle of the foot, while 25% happens at the heel.

Every single step you take causes your foot to pronate. When the ball of the foot hits the ground, the foot arches back and gets ready to speed up. As soon as the foot hits the ground, it arches (dorsiflexes) to absorb shock. Then the foot goes into plantarflexion as it pushes through the impact zone.

It is important to note that every individual pronates differently. It depends on our unique foot structure and function. Knowing how much support your foot requires from a shoe and purchasing footwear that offers that support may increase comfort and the caliber and effectiveness of your walk or run.

Types of Pronation

1. Underpronation (Supination)

When you underpronate, your foot does not roll inward enough when you walk or run. This means that your foot doesn’t absorb shock as well as it should. As a result, you may experience pain in the knees and hips.

2. Overpronation

This is when your foot rolls inward too much when you walk or run. When this happens, your feet don’t absorb shock as well as they should, leading to pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and hips.

3. Neutral Pronation

Neutral pronation is considered the ideal type of pronation. In neutral pronation, your foot rolls inward just the right amount so that it can properly absorb shock.

How Do Your Know if You Overpronate or Underpronate?

There are a few ways to determine if you overpronate or underpronate.

• Check the wear on your shoes: If you notice that the inside of your shoes is more worn than the outside, you may be an overpronator.
• Look at your feet when you stand: If you have flat feet or low arches, you may be an overpronator. If your feet look high arched, then you may be an underpronator.
• Ask someone to look at how your foot hits the ground when you walk: The best way to know for sure if you’re an overpronator or underpronator is to ask someone to watch how your foot strikes the ground when you walk or run. They should be able to tell you if your foot rolls inward too much (overpronates) or not enough (underpronates).

What Are the Symptoms of Pronation?

Several symptoms may indicate you have pronation. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor or podiatrist for an evaluation.

• Foot pain, especially in the heel or arch area
• Swelling in the feet and ankles
• Knee pain
• Bunions
• Calluses

What Are the Causes of Pronation?

There are several factors that can contribute to pronation. These are the following:

• Genetics: If your parents or grandparents had pronation, you might be more likely to have it as well.
• Obesity: Carrying excess weight can put a strain on the feet and lead to pronation.
• Age: As we age, our ligaments and muscles become weaker and less able to support the foot properly. This can lead to pronation.
• Ill-fitting shoes: Wearing shoes that don’t fit well or offer enough support can also cause pronation.
• Muscular imbalances in the legs and feet: If you have weak ankles, flat feet, or tight calf muscles, this can lead to pronation.
• Foot injuries: Fractures or other injuries to the foot can cause pronation. This is because the foot is not able to absorb shock as well as it should.
• Tight Achilles tendons: If your Achilles tendon is tight, this can put extra strain on your foot, leading to pronation.

What Is the Treatment for Pronation?

There are several treatments available for pronation. Depending on the severity and the symptoms you are experiencing, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

• Exercises: Strengthening the muscles of the feet can help reduce pronation. Your doctor may recommend exercises such as toe raises and heel raises.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help reduce pronation and improve foot function. Also, they may use devices such as electrical stimulation to help reduce foot pain. 
• Orthotics: Custom orthotics can be made to fit your feet and provide support. This can help reduce pain and prevent further damage to the foot. Pain relief custom orthotics are the best long-term solution.
• Surgery: If other treatments have failed and you are still experiencing pain, surgery may be necessary to correct pronation. Some surgery can help to release the Achilles tendon or lengthen muscles in your foot and leg. 

Custom Orthotics for Pronation

Custom orthotic insoles are devices that are made to fit your feet and provide support. They can be used to treat a variety of foot problems, including pronation.

Custom orthotics work by correcting the position of the foot and providing support for the arch. This helps reduce pain and prevent further damage to the foot. Custom orthotics are often used in combination with other treatments, such as exercises and physical therapy.

If you have pronation and are looking for a long-term solution, try NetStep™ Pronation Custom Orthotics. These therapeutic custom orthotics provide long-lasting support on your ankles and help align your body, preventing your foot from rolling outward or inward. Reducing stress on your feet can also help improve your overall foot function and provide lasting comfort.

About NetStep™

At NetStepUSA, we are committed to providing you with the best custom orthotics solution for your needs. Our custom orthotics collection comes in a variety, depending on your personal needs. Whether it’s sports insoles, therapeutic insoles, or lifestyle orthotics, we have them! 

What are you waiting for? Contact us and get started on your journey to better foot health today!