Home > Foot Problems > Pronation
| * Explanation | * Symptoms | * Diagnosis | * Duration |
| * Prevention | * Treatment | * Call a Professional | * Prognosis |
Pronation is the term used to describe the action of the foot when it rolls out of natural alignment as we walk, causing pressure on the ankle, knees and hips. Pronation refers to the alignment when the foot rolls inwards, and Supination refrs to the alignment when the foot rolls outwards. The typical action for most people is a slight rolling outwards, and is evidenced by a small amount of wear on the outside of the heel of footwear. This is quite natural and is no need for concern. It is only when the foot moves a long way out of alignment that a problem occurs.
Typical symptoms of excessive pronation are the formation of bunions, pain in the forefoot, ankle, knees, hips or even back pain. Signs of abnormal wear of your shoes can be indicative of this condition.
Your Podiatrist will examine the way you stand and walk, and the angle of your foot and ankle to the rest of your body.
The condition usually develops slowly as the body structure changes with age, or perhaps if the patient becomes overweight. In addition an accident or illness can cause a significant change in body shape. Once established the condition is permanent, but is essentially treatable with various appliances.
As explained earlier, the condition often develops with age, and therefore is not totally preventable. However the condition is made worse by wearing ill fitting shoes, or shoes without good heel support. In particular, ladies wearing high heel shoes that distort the foot are prime candidates for problems with pronation in later life. The condition can be reduced by wearing quality shoes with good heel support and comfortable toe box.
Treatment of this condition typically involes the use of a custom made orthotic insole in the shoes to correct the alignment of the foot. Your podiatrist will examine your foot to determine the amount of correction required, then take a cast or computer scan of your foot to determine the precise shape of the required device. He or she will supply you with a prescription orthotic that will correct the problem. Orthotics should be checked for effective correction at least once every 12 months.
Any changes to the shape of the foot can be a sign of incorrect foot or body alignment, such as the formation of bunions. Such changes should be checked by a Podiatrist. Any prolonged pain in the foot, ankle, knees, hips or back should be checked by a Doctor to determine the cause.
With proper treatment the pain associated with poor foot alignment can be significantly relieved, and in many cases, eliminated altogether.