Pronate

Pronate is a verb describing the action of turning a part of the body so that its anterior surface faces downward or inward. In anatomy and medicine, pronation commonly refers to two movements: forearm pronation and foot pronation. The term is paired with supination, which is the opposite movement.

Forearm pronation occurs at the radioulnar joints when the radius rotates around the ulna. As the radius pivots, the distal end crosses in front of the ulna and the palm turns to face downward or backward relative to the anatomical position. This movement is produced by the pronator muscles, including the pronator teres and pronator quadratus.

Foot pronation describes a combination of movements at the subtalar joint that causes the sole to face inward and the arch to flatten slightly during weight bearing. In gait analysis, pronation typically includes eversion, abduction, and dorsiflexion. While a degree of pronation is normal, excessive pronation, known as overpronation, can be associated with conditions such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and knee pain.

Pronate can also be used more generally to imply turning any hand or tool to a palm-down position, but in clinical contexts it is most often restricted to forearm or foot movements. The noun form pronation denotes the act of pronating.