Biomechanical Foot Orthotic Fabrication, Video Treadmill Gait Analysis,
Biomechanical Evaluations, Second Opinions
Illustration Of Condition
Description
Normal feet pronate with weightbearing. Pronation is good for you
since it helps absorb the impact of ground contact and compensate
for uneven walking surfaces. If you did not pronate at all you
would have a Frankenstein type gait. It is excessive pronation
that is damaging. Pronation can take place at different phases of
the gait cycle causing different problems.
Excessive or hyperpronation can be hereditary, congenital or caused
by leg-length discrepancies, muscle imbalances, joint laxities, and
excessively tight muscle groups, torsional problems of the limb or
other reasons not listed here. Excessive pronation causes excessive
stress on the subtalar joint which may cause excessive stress on
the medial longitudinal arch, the plantar fascia and certain
tendons. Here are some common conditions that can arise from excessive
pronation. Achilles Tendonitis, Heel Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Heel
Spurs, Post. Tib. Tendonitis, Shin Splints, Metatarsalgia, Bunions,
Interdigital Neuroma, Fixed Flexion Deformities, Knee Pain, Hip
Strain, Lower Back Pain and others not listed here. Over the counter
arch supports may offer temporary relief. Excessive Pronation is
best treated with a custom orthotic to control excessive joint motion.
Specific stretching exercises must also be done at the same time because
certain muscle groups can work against the subtalar joint and the
medial longitudinal arch. Ask your health care professional which
will work best for you.
P.T.I. Orthotic Laboratory
2805 Wilderness Pl., Ste-400
Boulder, CO. 80301
Ph# 303-443-9999
Fax# 303-443-4468
Disclaimer: All information published by P.T.I. Orthotic Laboratory or ptiorthotics.com is provided solely for general information and shall not be construed as an attempt to practice medicine or provide specific medical advice and should not be used to make a diagnosis or to replace or overrule a physician, or qualified health care provider's judgment. We strongly encourage users to consult with a physician or qualified health care professional for answers to personal health questions.