överpronation

Overpronation is a term used in biomechanics to describe excessive inward rolling of the foot during the gait cycle. When a person overpronates, the foot collapses inward excessively after the heel strikes the ground and continues through the stance phase of walking or running. This abnormal motion can affect the alignment of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and even the back.

The arch of the foot typically flattens out more than usual during overpronation. This can be due to a variety of factors, including genetics, foot structure (such as having flat feet), muscle weakness or imbalance in the feet and lower legs, tight calf muscles, or sometimes even the type of footwear worn. Overpronation can be identified by observing the wear pattern on the soles of shoes, which will often show more wear on the inside edge. It can also be assessed through gait analysis performed by a medical professional.

While not everyone who overpronates experiences pain or injury, it can be a contributing factor to a range of musculoskeletal issues. These can include plantar fasciitis, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, bunions, knee pain (such as patellofemoral pain syndrome), and even lower back pain. Treatment often involves addressing the underlying causes, which may include exercises to strengthen foot and ankle muscles, stretching tight muscles, wearing supportive footwear, or using custom or over-the-counter orthotics to help control the excessive inward rolling motion.