Overpronation is a word that triggers a lot of angst among podiatric doctors and running footwear stores as it creates a whole lot of misunderstandings and debate. Pronation is a movement of the foot in which the ankle rolls inwards and the mid-foot (arch) of the foot flattens. This is the normal healthy movement that is required for normal foot biomechanics and impact moderation. Overpronation is supposed to be the word helpful to explain when there is an excessive amount of this normal pronation. The initial part in the controversy is just what is normal and what’s abnormal and exactly where is the threshold of the division between normal pronation and overpronation. You can find robust opinions on all sides of this argument and there doesn’t seem to be any resolution in the debate in the near future.
The key reason why the subject creates a whole lot of discussion is that overpronation continues to be considered a key factor in overuse injuries in athletes. Podiatric doctors commonly use foot orthoses to manage the condition and running shoe producers design running shoes to help athletes that have the condition. This suggests there is lots of vested interest in this. The problem arises is that the research evidence demonstrates that, yes, overpronation might be a risk factor for a running injury, however it is not much of a major risk factor. It is additionally complicated by a lot of runners who have rather severe overpronation and don’t develop any issues and never need foot supports or running shoes using the motion control design features. That does not help solve the controversy nor help clinicians make choices re foot supports and for running shoe retailers on advice as to what should be the appropriate running shoe. It really is dependant on clinicians and running shoe retailer’s individual experience and expertise and making decisions in the framework of what is suitable for the individual runner.