Foot pain? Knee pain? Back pain? You might be surprised to learn that the culprit could be hiding in plain sight: your feet. Specifically, we’re talking about pronation – the natural inward rolling motion of your foot as you walk or run. Advanced Foot Care of NJ has put together the following blog so you know when it’s normal…and when it’s not!

Pronation: Friend or Foe?

Pronation is a natural and necessary movement. It helps your foot absorb shock and adapt to uneven surfaces. However, overpronation (when the foot rolls inward too much) is a common biomechanical problem.

Who’s at Risk?

People with flat feet or low arches are more prone to overpronation.
Surprisingly, people with high arches can also overpronate.
It can also be caused by a combination of your foot’s structure and how it moves.

Other Contributing Factors:

Heredity
Overuse
Ill-fitting shoes
Injuries
Diabetes
Excess weight

A podiatrist can easily determine if you’re overpronating through a physical examination, gait analysis, X-ray evaluation, and even your shoes (Excessive wear on the inner edge of your shoes is a telltale sign!)

The Domino Effect

Overpronation doesn’t just affect your feet. It can trigger a chain reaction of pain and problems throughout your lower body:

Feet: Plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, tendonitis.
Ankles: Instability and increased risk of sprains.
Knees: Pain and arthritis due to altered alignment.
Hips: Pain and discomfort caused by the body compensating for foot instability.
Back: Lower back pain due to changes in posture and gait.

Adults deal with this problem often, but children can also develop issues due to overpronation. Fortunately, addressing concerns early in childhood can prevent hereditary conditions like bunions and hammertoes from developing later in life.

The Solution: Custom Orthotics

The most effective way to control overpronation is with custom orthotics. These aren’t your average drugstore inserts. They’re medical-grade devices specifically designed from a mold of your feet to:

Correct Alignment: Support your arches and prevent excessive inward rolling.
Reduce Pressure: Distribute weight evenly across your feet.
Improve Biomechanics: Restore proper foot function and reduce strain on your entire lower body.
Relieve Pain: Stop or slow the “domino effect” of foot pain that reaches the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

Don’t ignore foot pain or dismiss it as “just getting older.” If you’re experiencing pain anywhere from your feet to your back, a podiatric evaluation is a smart step toward finding relief and protecting your long-term health.

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, our doctor and staff look forward to resolving all of your family’s podiatric healthcare needs. We proudly serve the communities of Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!