Orthotics for Pronation and Overpronation

Orthotics for Pronation and Overpronation

Orthotics for Pronation and Overpronation

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What is pronation? Is it normal?

Pronation is a natural part of the motion. When you walk or run, and your feet come into contact with the ground, they will pronate (the foot rolls inwards) and act like a spring to propel you forward.

However, if your foot rolls inwards excessively (overpronation), the joints of your feet will stretch and expand. In response to this, the ligaments, tendons, and muscles of your foot will have to work extra hard to keep your foot in a more neutral position.

Over time, they can become strained and irritated; as a result, foot aches and other issues (including leg pain and plantar fasciitis) can arise. Feet that overpronate are commonly termed flat feet.

Feet undergo pronation when you walk or run, but excessive pronation puts you at risk of injuries and foot aches.

Who is at an increased risk of overpronation?

Individuals with slightly flattened feet are at an increased risk of experiencing overpronation. In addition, the following individuals are at a heightened risk of having overpronated feet:

  • Those who are pregnant
  • Those who are overweight
  • Those who walk or run for extended periods of time

What are orthotics, and what do they treat?:

Medical professionals prescribe orthotics as medical devices to treat various foot conditions, such as:

  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Gait abnormalities
  • Foot and ankle misalignments
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Shin splints
Orthotic insoles are an effective treatment option for people with foot pain and flat feet.

Medical professionals employ orthotic insoles as one of the most effective ways to combat foot pain, with overpronation being one of the most common reasons. An orthotic with a well-fitting pair of shoes can dramatically reduce the risk of injuries and allow you to stay on your feet for longer durations of time.

What kinds of orthotics are there?

In general, there are two main types of orthotic inserts:

  • Off-the-shelf inserts- These orthotics can be purchased online or from an establishment such as a pharmacy. They are useful for mild pain and less severe conditions, and generally, last a few months before needing to be replaced.
  • Custom orthotic inserts – Custom inserts are made individually for your feet and used to treat your specific condition. They are often used to correct distinct misalignments and are tailored exactly to the shape of your feet. Custom inserts are normally more durable and will last for longer before needing to be replaced.
Orthotic insoles support the arches of the feet and make them more effective propellers of motion.

We would love to hear from you

If you have any questions about foot problems, arch support, and/or heel pain, please feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to our team at docpods.com/au!

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