Flat Feet / Overpronation
What is it?
Flat feet is a condition in which the feet are "rolling in" when the person is standing. This gives the appearance that there is a loss of the arch of the foot. This however is a misnoma. Most feet when studied in the sitting position have an arch. Only during weightbearing do they collapse, hence these feet are said to be compensating for a particular condition, they display - PRONATION, so they are really not flat at all.
What causes it?
There are many causes of abnormal pronation, the most common being:
· Hereditary bony or soft tissue conditions within the foot that distort normal walking patterns. This causes the foot to "unlock" to reach the ground.
· Abnormal muscle length or muscle tone
· Abnormal leg rotations
· Poor pelvic alignment causing leg length differences
· Spinal conditions (e.g. scoliosis)
· Poor foot loading
· Muscle spasticity (e.g. cerebral palsy)
Effects of Pronation
The result of either short or long term pronation can vary a great deal from patient to patient, but it should be noted that this abnormal force on the body is a major contributor to a myriad of bony and soft tissue problems and therefore - PAIN.
Symptoms can manifest in the:
· Feet (e.g. bunions, hammer toes)
· Heels (e.g. heel spurs)
· Shins (e.g. shin splints)
· Knees (e.g. chondromalacia or cartilage damage to the kneecap)
· Thighs (e.g. Iliotibial band syndrome)
· Hips (e.g. greater trochanter bursitis or inflammation near the hip joint)
· Upper and lower back (e.g. Disc protrusion)
· Neck and head (e.g. migraines)
Not only is pronation a major pain contributor in the adult body, but it is also a common factor associated with so called "Growing Pains" in children. So eliminating this source of aggravation when undergoing knee, hip, back and neck treatment is of the utmost importance.
Testimonial
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Mrs Fort, UK