pronazione

Pronazione, or pronation in English, is a term used in anatomy and biomechanics to describe a rotational movement of a body part toward the inner or lower position. In common usage it most often refers to two related but distinct movements: forearm pronation and foot pronation.

Forearm pronation is the rotation of the forearm that turns the palm downward or backward from the anatomical position. During this movement the radius rotates around the ulna, and the two bones cross each other. The action is produced mainly by the pronator teres and pronator quadratus muscles, and it is opposed by the supinator muscles. Forearm pronation is a normal component of many daily activities and sports.

Foot pronation refers to the inward roll of the foot that occurs during stance and gait. This involves eversion at the subtalar joint, with associated abduction and dorsiflexion of the foot, often accompanied by internal rotation of the leg. Normal pronation helps absorb shock and adapt to surfaces, but excessive pronation, or overpronation, can contribute to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, medial tibial stress, and patellofemoral pain in some individuals. Variations in foot structure, footwear, and running technique influence pronation patterns.

Clinically, pronation can be assessed through observation, flexibility and strength tests, and gait analysis. Management of abnormal pronation may include exercise to balance muscle strength, orthotics or supportive footwear, and, in some cases, biomechanical gait retraining. The term pronazione encompasses both forearm and foot movements, though context usually clarifies which region is involved.