Understanding Overpronation and Underpronation (Supination):
What You Need to Know

Do you ever wonder why some people’s feet seem to roll inward too much when they walk or run, while others barely seem to roll at all? This phenomenon is known as pronation, and it plays a crucial role in how we move. But when pronation becomes excessive or insufficient, it can lead to problems with our feet and even affect our entire body. Let’s Break It Down.

What is Pronation?

Pronation is a natural movement of the foot that occurs during walking or running. It involves the inward rolling motion of the foot as it makes contact with the ground. This movement helps distribute the forces of impact and adapt to different surfaces.

Overpronation

Overpronation happens when the foot rolls inward excessively during the gait cycle. This can cause the arch of the foot to collapse too much, leading to excessive stress on the ligaments and tendons that support the foot. Over time, this may result in various foot problems such as Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints, Heel Spurs or even knee and hip pain. People with a low arch or “flat feet” often overpronate.

Signs of Overpronation

  • Excessive wear on the inner edge of your shoes
  • Flat feet or fallen arches
  • Pain or discomfort in the arch, heel, or ankle
  • Increased risk of injuries, especially during physical activities

How to Address Overpronation?

  • Wear supportive shoes with good arch support and stability features
  • Use customized insoles to address your unique pronation and provide additional support and motion control. FeetTech 3D printed customized insoles contour to the curves of the feet and arch to support each individual foot’s natural shape rather than forcing them into a predetermined shape.
  • Strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle through targeted exercises
 

Underpronation (Supination)

On the opposite end of the spectrum, underpronation, also known as supination, occurs when the foot rolls outward insufficiently during the gait cycle. This can result in inadequate shock absorption, leading to increased pressure on certain areas of the foot and lower leg.

 

Signs of Underpronation

  • Excessive wear on the outer edge of your shoes
  • High arches
  • Pain or discomfort in the outer edge of the foot or ankle
  • Increased risk of stress fractures, ankle sprains, or IT band syndrome

How to Address Underpronation:

  • Choose shoes with ample cushioning and flexibility to help absorb shock
  • Consider custom made insoles that provide extra arch support. FeetTech’s 3D printed insoles are customized with the highest level of accuracy and contour to the unique structure of each foot, even if they have different degrees of supination.
  • Perform stretching exercises to improve flexibility in the foot and ankle
  • Gradually increase the intensity and duration of physical activities to allow the body to adapt to the demands placed on it

In conclusion, understanding your pronation type – whether it’s overpronation, underpronation, or neutral pronation – is essential for maintaining healthy feet and preventing injuries.

By recognizing the signs and implementing appropriate interventions, you can support your feet and enjoy a more comfortable and active lifestyle. If you’re unsure about your pronation pattern or experiencing persistent foot pain, reach out to FeetTech for a thorough examination and analysis of your feet for personalized guidance and a treatment plan.

Recommended Excercies for Overpronation

Exercises for overpronation focus on strengthening the muscles of the feet and lower legs to improve alignment and support.

Read more about the recommended exercises that can help correct overpronation, alleviate associated discomfort, and prevent further foot and lower limb issues.

Heel stretches

  • Stand with both feet flat on the floor.
  • Step forward with one foot, so it is around one pace in front of the other.
  • Keep the spine straight, bend the front leg and push forward so that all your weight is on the front foot.
  • Feel the stretch in the back leg and Achilles tendon.
  • Hold for 20-40 seconds
  • Change feet and repeat four times.

Tennis ball rolls

  • Sit with both feet flat on the floor.
  • Place a tennis ball or golf ball under one foot.
  • Keeping the spine straight, roll the ball back and forth under the foot for 2–3 minutes.
  • Switch and repeat with the other foot.

Calf raises

  • Stand with both feet on the ground.
  • Lift both heels as high as possible, hold for 5 seconds, then lower them.
  • Repeat 15–20 times.
  • Alternatively, use a stair or exercise step and allow the heels to rise and below the step level.

Toe raises

  • Stand with both feet on the floor.
  • Press the right big toe into the floor and lift the other toes of the right foot.
  • Hold for 5 seconds.
  • Next, press the four smaller toes into the floor and raise the big toe for 5 seconds.
  • Repeat each exercise 5–10 times.
  • Change and repeat with the other foot.

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