Overpronation, flat feet and fallen arches

High, normal and low archThe true 'flat foot' is very rare. In fact, less than 5% of the population have flat feet with no arch present whatsoever.

The majority of us have a normal to low arch. Only 5-10% have a high arch!

However, most people with a 'normal- to-low' arch actually suffer from 'overpronation' during walking, running and standing.

This means the foot may appear normal and a clear arch is present under the foot, especially when sitting down.

This siutation changes with weight bearing; with every step we take the arches collapse and the ankles roll inwards. This is called overpronation (or fallen arches). Pronation itself is not wrong because we need to pronate and supinate as part of our natural gait cycle. Pronation (rolling in) acts as a shock-absorbing mechanism and supination (rolling out) helps to propel our feet forward.

Overpronation occurs when we pronate too deep and/or for too long, not giving the foot a chance to 'recover' and supinate.

Therefore, overpronation hampers our natural walking pattern. It causes an imbalance and leads to wear and tear in several parts of the body with every step we take!

Whether you have a true flat foot or have a normal arch and suffer from overpronation (like 70% of the population) in both cases your poor walking pattern may contribute to a range of different complaints. Especially with age, poor aligment of the feet will cause very common conditions such as Heel Pain or Knee Pain.

Overpronation has different causes. Obesity, pregnancy, age or standing/walking on hard surfaces for long periods of time can all weaken the arches, leading eventually to overpronation. Overpronation is also very common with athletes, especially runners and the majority nowadays use orthotics inside their sport shoes.


Over-pronation


It is estimated that 'overpronation' affects over 70% of the New Zealand population! This condition contributes to a range of common complaints including:

 

Pronation can cause pain


  • Sore, aching feet
  • Ball of Foot Pain
  • Heel Pain
  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Flat feet/Fallen arches
  • Callous and corns
  • Bunions
  • Shin Splints/Pain
  • Tired, aching legs
  • Knee Pain
  • Lower Back Pain




The most effective treatment solution for overpronation is to wear an orthotic shoe insert. Footlogics orthotics correct overpronation, thereby providing natural, lasting pain relief to many aches and pains.

Recommended for overpronation.

Footlogics - Casual

 

Space saving orthotics to provide foot comfort.  The Footlogics Casual is a 3/4 length orthotic developed by Podiatrists.  It provides relief for Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain) and other common foot complaints.  The Casual fits in all types of flat or low-heeled slip-on shoes without laces.  More about Footlogics Casual here.

 

Footlogics - Comfort

Footlogics Comfort Orthotic 

Orthotics designed to provide foot comfort while standing or walking on your feet all day.  The Footlogics Comfort is a full-length orthotic developed by Podiatrists.  The Comfort provides relief for Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain), Ball of Foot pain, and other common foot complaints.  It fits in all types of lace-up shoes including joggers and also suitable for work boots.  More about Footlogics Comfort here.

 

Footlogics - Sports

                          

Orthotics to provides relief for sports injuries.  Footlogics Sports are high quality full-length sports orthotics developed by Podiatrists.  The Sports provides relief for sports injuries like Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain), Achilles Tendonitis, Shin Splints and Runner’s knee.  It corrects overpronation, fallen arches and flat feet.  The Footlogics Sport is designed to fit in running and walking shoes, cross-trainers, tennis and basketball shoes. It is also suitable for hiking shoes and boots.  More about Footlogics Sports here.