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Overpronation and How it Can Lead to Foot Pain

15th November, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

The results of a recent study conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association concluded that a surprising 73% of people polled revealed that they are living with foot pain. The question is: why has foot pain become one of the most common complaints in the doctor’s office? For many people, this problem can be caused by one of the following: the types of shoes they wear, the activities they engage in, or how their feet are structured. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can make existing problems even worse. Physically active people are another segment of the population that are often afflicted by painful foot conditions. Factors such as {fallen arches, overpronation|overpronation, fallen arches, and poor support can all play a role in painful feet, ankles, and knees. Genetics can contribute to foot-related issues because they dictate how the foot was formed in the womb. This can raise the likelihood of developing painful foot conditions such as bunions, heel spurs, and plantar fasciits.

The Mechanics of the Foot

Flat feet can cause an inward rolling of the feet which can make activities painful. The foot is responsible for balance, stability, and bears the weight of the body. The portions of the foot that help to keep the foot in harmony with the body include the arch, heel, tarsals and meta-tarsals staggering. The arch gives stability by the following structures: the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. This delicate balance can be interrupted by high arches or fallen arches, which can cause the foot to rotate abnormally. In high arches, the body’s weight is abnormally emphasized on the outer perimeter of the foot (oversupination). Conversely, overpronation takes place with fallen arches because the body’s weight is unevenly distributed toward the inside of the foot, forcing the feet to roll toward the inside .

Overpronation Can Lead to Serious Foot Problems
A quick way to see if fallen arches or high arches are an issue is to find a good area where a foot impression can be made, such as on cement. Dip one foot in cool water and then stamp your foot onto the dry surface. Then, remove the foot off the ground and see the impression that remains. A foot with over-pronation will leave a total print showing the entire surface area of the bottom of the foot. A high arch will leave just a part of the ball of the foot’s, outside portion, and the foot’s heel. Either of these arch malformations can cause heel spurs or plantar fasciitis therapy because the foot experiences constant pressure in places it is not intended to handle.

Orthotics Give Much-Needed Relief for Flat Feet Treatment

Persons with pain caused by fallen arches, heel spurs, or who need plantar fasciitis treatment can experience relief by using orthotics in their shoes. They offer the needed support to fix the areas in the arch that have been weakened. They also offer cushioning in areas where constant pressure in the ball of the foot and heel. Orthotics are available in many sizes and types and are made to meet the needs of athletes, high-heel wearers, and everyone in between.