One of the most common causes of foot and leg discomfort is a condition known
as over pronation. 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 only 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 OVER
PRONATION
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 OVER
PRONATION
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
