MI Podiatrist Discusses Excessive Pronation
According to Conway McLean, DPM, "A certain percentage of individuals have a perfectly normal foot type with the proper alignment of joints, the correct tension on the multiple tendons and muscles. There are people with a perfect arch. But this is not the norm, since most of us tend towards one side or the other of this equation, an arch that is too high or one too low. Or, quite distinct, one can have an arch which lowers too much at a certain point in the gait cycle (i.e. when walking) but otherwise is normal. Some pronation is normal, proper, and healthy, but those with excessive amounts tend to have problems associated with their abnormal function and poor biomechanics."
 |
Dr. Conway McLean |
"Probably the most effective deterrent to excessive pronation would be some type of arch support. Experts claim a majority of knee replacements could be prevented if the suffering individuals had worn properly prescribed foot orthotics years prior. Obviously, this is impossible to prove but the message is relevant. The time and expertise to properly prescribe and effectively fit a foot orthotic is significant, but the benefits to the musculoskeletal system, upon which we literally depend, are many. They can relieve pain, improve quality of life, enhance cardiovascular health, and more, all by reducing the deleterious consequences of too much pronation," says Dr. McLean.
Source: Marquette Mining Journal [1/16/24]
