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  Introduction
One
of the most common causes of foot and leg discomfort is a
condition known as overpronation. 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
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 OverPronation
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
OverPronation
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:
Hallux Abducto Valgus (bunions)
Hallux Rigidus (stiff 1st toe)
Arch Pain
Heel Pain (plantar Facsitus)
Metatarsalgia (ball of the foot pain)
Ankle Sprains
Shin Splints
Achilles Tendonitis
Osteochondrosis
Knee Pain
Corns & Calluses
Flat Feet
Hammer Toes
Causes of
OverPronation
Over pronation occurs due
to a biomechanical dysfunction see above). This can be controlled
via Insoles and Orthotics.
Treatment
of OverPronation
Anti-Pronation Insoles provide
a unique foot support system that aligns the lower body. The
major cause of foot and leg pain is over pronation (rolling
over of the feet) which causes excessive pressure on the muscles,
ligaments and bones of the lower body. Running insoles treat
the underlying cause of over pronation and prevent future
occurrences of the associated foot or leg condition.
A project conducted at the
NIKE Sport Research Laboratory studied the effects of orthotics
on rear foot movement in running. Nine well-trained runners
who wore orthotics were chosen as subjects. The results of
the study indicated that orthotics reduced rear foot movement
by roughly one degree or approximately nine percent of the
amount found in runners not using orthotics. The average reduction
of the maximum velocity of pronation was fifteen percent.
Thus this study indicates that orthotics and insoles control
over pronation which will treat and prevent many sporting
injuries.
Orthotic Information
Orthotics can help you with
your foot problems. Orthotics work on your feet in the same
way the braces work on the teeth - by exerting gentle consistent
pressure to bring your foot muscles and back into proper alignment.
 
Without orthotics With
orthotics
Insoles/Orthotics
have been used for years to help people with overpronation.
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 overpronation, in the first place. This
type of hard plastic orthotic can actually cause increased
pain in flat feet patients, which is the reason why we have
recommended the Dr Foot Sport Insoles for the treatment of
overpronation. They provide a flexible yet incredibly supportive
and stable treatment.
Your feet are
the only pair you will ever have. You are wise to take good
care of them.
About 80% of the population
have structural problems in their feet which cause abnormal
walking patterns.
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