Over Pronation / Hyper Flexibility

Over Pronation, or more commonly referred to as flat feet, is a common biomechanical problem that occurs during walking. As a person walks, the arch of the foot on the ground collapses allowing the foot to make full contact with the floor. This collapse can cause extreme stress or inflammation to the plantar side of the foot and result in severe discomfort. Over Pronation is often the root to many foot and back problems.

Over Pronation is very common in people with flexible Pes Planus (flat feet); however, people with hyper flexible Pes Normal (medium arch feet) are usually over pronators as well. It is the extreme flexibility of the foot that allows the foot to collapse upon weight bearing causing the arch to flatten and therefore adding stress to other parts of the foot. Most often, over pronators walk biomechanically backward. Over pronated feet are prone to other conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, Metatarsalgia, Bunions, Achilles Tendonitis, and Post-Tibial Tendonitis. Any of the prior conditions, if left unsupported, may lead to a rupture of the tendon resulting in the need for surgical repair.

Some common causes for Over Pronation are obesity, pregnancy, repetitive long term exposure to hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt, weakening of the supporting tendons and ligaments that come with age, and hyper flexibility of the foot. Often, people with over pronated feet do not experience pain or discomfort immediately or continually and some never suffer at all. However, when symptoms develop and pain is present, walking becomes uncomfortable and places stress and strain on the entire body.

It is very important to restore proper biomechanics to the over pronated foot as much as possible. Not all states of over pronation can be biomechanically corrected 100%. This is due to the body's tolerance to the acceptance of support. Some people can be helped a great deal and some only a little. That being said, almost all cases of over pronation are improved with the help of a custom fitted ezWalker™ which provides support, stability, better posture, and overall comfort for not only the foot, but the entire body. Proper fitting footwear is also a factor when trying to restore better biomechanics to the over pronated foot. Improperly fitting footwear can actually make an over pronated foot worse.

Make sure you are fitting your shoes properly. Have your fit checked regularly and remember the size on the measuring device is only a reference. Mass manufactured shoes are NOT all created equal. Refer to the Shoe Fitting Reference Guide for proper guidelines on how to best fit your shoes.

If you are following these guidelines and problems persist, you must seek the council of a physician for diagnosis and treatment.