When your foot rolls excessively inward when you are walking or exercising, the resulting condition is called overpronation, frequently caused by improper arch support and poorly fitting footwear. People with untreated flatfoot often suffer from overpronation. Correcting the gait abnormalities associated with this condition not only helps your feet and ankles, but also alleviates problems in your knees, hips, and back.

Some of the signs that you are suffering from overpronation may include the following:

• Check the soles of your shoes—One easy way to determine if you are overpronating is from your shoes’ wear pattern. If you have a proper gait and correct pronation, the wear will be even across the shoes’ bottom. If you are putting too much pressure on your arch and foot’s inner part, the shoe will show severe wear under the inner heel and ball areas.
• Increase in heel pain—Pain in the heel is often a sign you are experiencing overpronation. Plantar fasciitis is caused by arch damage, and the pain and problems often affect the heel.
• Toe deformities—Toe problems like bunions and hammertoes are more likely to occur in people who have untreated pronation problems.

If you suspect you may be overpronating, consult with our board-certified podiatrists to get proper footwear and custom orthotic inserts to ensure pain-free functioning of your feet, knees, hips, and back.

At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown, PA. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.