Overpronation is a condition where the arches of the feet flatten more than they would normally, causing strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the arches. It occurs when the foot rolls inward too much when walking or running, causing the outer edge of the heel to hit the ground first, and then the foot rolls inward onto the arch. Overpronation can cause increased stress on the ligaments and muscles of the feet, leading to discomfort and many painful, serious, long-term pathologies.
Some common causes of overpronation include having slightly flattened feet, pregnancy, obesity, and running or walking on hard surfaces for long periods. People who have flat feet are more likely to develop overpronation. Other conditions that can resemble overpronation include having a prominent fat pad, which can occur in children.
Symptoms of overpronation include heel or arch pain, flat feet, corns or calluses, knee, hip, or back pain, and hammer toes. A quick and easy way to see if you overpronate is to look at the bottom of your shoes for signs of wear and tear. If most of the wear is on the inside sole near the ball of the foot and near the big toe, there’s a good possibility that you overpronate.
To diagnose overpronation, a person should consult a specialist, such as a podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon, or physical therapist. They can make a definite diagnosis and recommend treatment options, such as exercises and adding orthotic insoles to shoes.
