How the Right Shoes Prevent Pronation and Supination

If everything starts with the feet, then it is important to not only find the proper size, but also the right shoes to address specific issues such a pronation and supination. Every day, millions of people are walking around with shoes that do not address either issue and the result is that they suffer from discomfort and building problems that only grow larger the longer these issues are not addressed.

Symptoms

Those who suffer from pronation or supination may experience one or more of the following symptoms depending on the severity of the stress that is experienced.

• Arch, Heel, Knee, Hip, or Back Pain
• Ankle Sprains, Shin Splints, or Achilles Tendinitis
• Flat Feet, Corns and Calluses

The proper shoes will help prevent these issues from occurring which means it is important to know what you have so you can selection the right shoes.

Pronation

This refers to the foot rolling inward when moving forward. The weight shifts to the outside of the foot as the heel strikes the ground, causing the foot to flatten. A small amount of pronation is good since it helps the feet to function the way they should. However, too much can cause injuries to the arch, stretching tendons and ligaments that might give if too much pressure is applied.

Supination

This is when the foot rolls outward when moving forward and in small amounts is natural as the feet push off the ground, especially when running. However, too much supination causes considerable strain on the tendons and muscles that keep the ankle in place which means that sprains are possible. Those who experience too much supination are subject to ankle sprains and in more serious cases, a rupture of the ligaments.

How to Prevent Foot Issues

Because the problems are based on how the foot moves, you will need to have it properly diagnosed by a podiatrist. Getting an expert to diagnose the issue makes it easy to purchase the right solution. For the most part, orthotic inserts will correct either pronation or supination and do so while keeping the arches in place.

It’s not just how you walk, but your running gate which reveals so much about the motion of your feet. So, when you are being examined, you may have to run a little so the podiatrist can accurately assess the motion that your feet go through. While inserts can help considerably, getting the right shoes completes the prevention or treatment.

• Choose the shoe that compliments your running gate
• New shoes should be tight so they will stretch over time
• Have your feet measured by width, length, and depth for the proper fit
• Purchase shoes in the afternoon when your feet have swelled to their maximum size
• Wear the socks that you always wear with the shoes

By taking these steps and choosing the right shoes, you can prevent pronation or supination that causes so many problems and you will walk, jog, and run more comfortably than before.