What is overpronation?
Overpronation happens when your gait (the way you walk or run) eventually causes the arches of your feet to flatten more than they would normally. That puts strain on muscles, tendons and ligaments that support your arches. Overpronation increases the risk you’ll injure your foot and leg. But you can correct the problem with exercise and by adding orthotic insoles to your shoes.
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Who is likely to develop overpronation?
People who have slightly flattened feet are more likely to develop overpronation. Other conditions or activities are:
- Pregnancy.
- Having obesity.
- Running or walking on hard surfaces for long periods.
What is the difference between overpronation and flat feet (flat foot?)
Overpronation refers to your gait, or the way you walk, which can cause flat feet. Flat feet (flat foot) is a medical condition when you have little to no arch in your foot. Flat feet can be hereditary or develop over time.
In some cases, people have flat feet (flat foot) because they never developed arches in their feet. In other cases, your arches suddenly fall or collapse after injuring the leg tendon that supports your arches. This condition is fallen arches or adult-acquired flat foot.
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What is the difference between overpronation and underpronation?
Both terms describe the way you pronate, or walk. Overpronation and underpronation happen when your foot lands on your heels’ outer edges. Ideally, your feet transfer the landing impact to the balls of your feet. In overpronation, your feet shift the impact too far. In underpronation, also known as supination, your feet don’t shift the impact far enough. With overpronation, your foot rolls inward when you walk. With underpronation, your foot rolls outward when you walk.
