Health and Fitness

What is overpronation of the foot?

Overpronation is a word that produces plenty of concern among podiatrists and running footwear shops because it causes so much confusion and argument. Pronation is actually a movement of the foot where the ankle rolls inwards and the arch of the foot flattens. This is the normal healthy movement which is essential for normal foot biomechanics and impact moderation. Overpronation is supposed to be the word employed to describe should there be an excessive amount of this normal pronation. The first part in the controversy is just what is normal and what's abnormal and exactly where would be the threshold of the division between normal pronation and overpronation. There are actually formidable views on all sides of this controversy and there doesn't look like any solution in the debate coming.

The reason the topic produces so much discussion is that overpronation continues to be regarded as a key aspect in overuse injuries in athletes. Podiatrists commonly use foot orthotics to take care of the problem and running shoe manufacturers make running shoes to help runners that have the condition. This means there is lots of vested interest in this. The issue arises is that the scientific evidence shows that, yes, overpronation might be a risk factor for a running injury, but it is not really a big risk factor. It's even more complex by a lot of runners who have really severe overpronation and do not develop any problems and never need foot supports or running shoes with the motion control design characteristics. That does not help resolve the controversy nor help clinicians make choices re foot orthoses and for running shoe stores on advice in regards to what needs to be the proper running shoe. It really is dependant on clinicians and running shoe retailer’s individual expertise and experience and making decisions in the framework of precisely what is ideal for the individual athlete.