Did you know that the way your foot and ankle are positioned can actually impact your overall health? Pronation refers to the way the foot moves during walking or running. This natural movement helps evenly spread body weight across the foot and absorb shock upon ground impact. However, overpronation and underpronation, also called supination, can lead to various foot and ankle conditions.
At Lake Erie Podiatry, we often see patients who are experiencing pain or discomfort in their feet and ankles due to pronation issues. Our expert podiatrist, Dr. Michael Ruiz, is knowledgeable and experienced in diagnosing and treating conditions related to pronation. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about how pronation may be affecting your foot health and what treatment options are available.
In this article, we will discuss what pronation is, how it can cause certain foot and ankle conditions, and ways we can help treat or correct it. Whether you are an athlete or someone who experiences everyday foot pain, understanding pronation and its effects on the body can help improve your overall foot health. So let's dive in!
Understanding Pronation
Pronation is the natural movement of the foot and ankle during walking or running. As you take a step, your foot first hits the ground at the outer edge of the heel. Then, it rolls inward to distribute body weight and absorb shock before pushing off with your toes. This motion allows for a smooth and efficient gait cycle.
There are three main types of pronation: neutral, overpronated, and supinated, each affecting the body in unique ways and potentially leading to different conditions if not properly managed.
Neutral Pronation
Neutral pronation, also known as normal pronation, is the most desirable type of pronation. During movement, the foot slightly rolls inward to distribute weight evenly across the entire surface of the foot. This helps to prevent excessive strain on any one area and reduces the risk of injury.
Overpronation
Overpronation is when the foot rolls inward past the ideal 15% range. This can happen due to flat feet (flat foot) or weak ankle muscles, causing the foot to collapse and put excess pressure on the inner side of the foot.
This can lead to a variety of conditions, such as:
- Plantar Fasciitis: Pronated feet can cause the plantar fascia, a band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, to become overstretched and inflamed. This condition is often characterized by severe heel pain.
- Bunions: Overpronation can cause an imbalance in the foot structure, which can lead to bunions developing over time. These are bony bumps on the side of the big toe joint, causing discomfort and difficulty wearing certain shoes.
- Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: This condition, also known as shin splints, is caused by overuse of the muscles in the lower leg due to excessive pronation. It can cause pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the tibia (shin bone).
- Achilles Tendonitis: Overpronation can put extra strain on the Achilles tendon, causing inflammation and pain in the back of the heel.
If you are experiencing any of these conditions, Dr. Ruiz can provide a thorough evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Supination
Supination, also known as underpronation, occurs when the foot rolls outward less than 15% during the gait cycle. This is often seen in individuals with high arches, which can lead to shock absorption issues. With supination, the smaller toes do most of the work during push-off.
This can cause stress on the outer edge of the foot and lead to conditions such as:
- Stress Fractures: The increased pressure on the outer edge of the foot can make it more susceptible to stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bone due to repetitive strain.
- Ankle Sprains: Supinated feet have less flexibility, making them more prone to ankle sprains due to an increased risk of rolling the foot outward.
- Peroneal Tendonitis: This condition occurs when the tendons that attach muscles on the outer side of the lower leg to the bones in the foot become inflamed, causing pain and discomfort along the outside of the foot and ankle.
If you have a supinated foot, Lake Erie Podiatry can provide various treatment options to help alleviate symptoms and prevent future issues.
How Dr. Ruiz Can Help
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your feet or ankles, it is important to consult a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Ruiz at Lake Erie Podiatry has extensive experience in treating various foot conditions and can help determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition.
Some common treatments for pronation-related conditions may include:
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics areshoe inserts specifically designed for your feet. They can help correct any imbalances in the foot structure, providing support and stability during movement. Dr. Ruiz can create custom orthotics for your individual needs.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to correct underlying issues causing overpronation or underpronation. This is typically a last resort option and will only be considered after other treatments have been exhausted. Dr. Ruiz can help determine if this is the best option for you.
Trust Dr. Ruiz for Foot Relief!
Pronation is a natural and necessary part of the gait cycle, but when it becomes excessive or imbalanced, it can lead to discomfort and potential injuries. Understanding your pronation type and seeking proper treatment can help prevent future problems and keep you active and pain-free.
Dr. Michael Ruiz and the team at Lake Erie Podiatry are dedicated to providing personalized care and treatment for those who are suffering from pronation-related conditions. We are here to help you get back on your feet and back to doing the things you love.
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your feet or ankles, don't hesitate to contact Lake Erie Podiatry at (814) 833-3668 or schedule an appointment with Dr. Ruiz. Get proper diagnosis and treatment today to prevent further issues in the future.
