What Are Pronation Orthotics?

Pronation orthotics are shoe inserts that help to control unwanted or abnormal foot movements. They may address overpronation — also known as excessive pronation, and underpronation — also known as excessive supination. Orthotics can be store bought or custom made by a orthopedic professional. They help to prevent injury, deformity of the feet, and pain while walking, and may also aid in creating a normal walking pattern.

Pronation is a typical occurrence in the gait or walking cycle. It is the part of the cycle in which the foot begins to roll in an inward direction and the arch flattens out to provide shock absorption. Overpronation describes the phenomenon in which the foot rolls too far inward and the arches are too flat. This can occur because a person's foot has naturally flatter arches, or because the muscles in the feet and ankles are weak. Underpronation is the opposite problem, in which the foot does not roll enough and the arches are too high.

Orthotics to address overpronation are inserts with extra padding and support in the arch area. They also feature support in the heel, as having the heel in the correct alignment will naturally cause the rest of the foot to fall into place. Pronation orthotics to address underpronation focus on heel support and are often referred to as heel seats. They provide padding in the heel area to prevent the foot from rolling outward over the ankle.

Off the shelf pronation orthotics come in predetermined shapes and can be cut slightly to fit different size feet. They are available at most drug stores for both men and women. These are acceptable when the pronation problem is not severe or when cost is an issue. Custom made orthotics come from a cast of the foot, created by an orthotist or podiatrist, and are typically made with high density foam and plastics. Some insurance plans will cover orthotics, but many will not.

The feet are one of the most important structures, bearing much of the body's weight while facilitating the walking motion that is unique to humans. If the mechanics of the feet are incorrect, problems can occur throughout the rest of the body, particularly in the knees, hips and back. Pronation orthotics can help to prevent injury, particularly in athletes, and provide a more comfortable walking and running experience. Common injuries experienced as a result of overpronation are Achilles tendinitis, bunions, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and tarsal tunnel syndrome.