Overpronation is a condition where the arches of the feet flatten more than they would normally, causing strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the arches. It occurs when the foot rolls inward too far when walking or running, and the arch tends to flatten out. Overpronation can increase the risk of foot and leg injuries, especially for people who participate in sports like running. Some common causes of overpronation include having slightly flattened feet, pregnancy, obesity, and walking or running on hard surfaces for long periods. Symptoms of overpronation include heel or arch pain, flat feet, corns or calluses, knee, hip, or back pain, and hammer toes.

To diagnose overpronation, a podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon, or physical therapist can make a definite diagnosis. They may examine the wear and tear on the bottom of the shoes, look at the bare feet, or follow the line of the bone from the knee to the ankle to see if it leads toward the inside portion of the foot. Treatment for overpronation includes wearing shoes that fit well and support the arches, adding orthotic insoles to shoes, doing exercises that strengthen the arches and muscles around them, and in some cases, surgery. People with overpronation should choose supportive shoes, especially for activities that involve repeated foot strikes, such as running or walking. Supportive shoes for people with overpronation should offer extra support and stability to minimize the impact of each step.

In summary, overpronation is a condition where the arches of the feet flatten more than they would normally, causing strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the arches. It can increase the risk of foot and leg injuries, especially for people who participate in sports like running. Treatment includes wearing supportive shoes, adding orthotic insoles to shoes, doing exercises that strengthen the arches and muscles around them, and in some cases, surgery.