Flat feet? What is over pronation? Half price assessment, save $40

The biomechanics of how we walk and move is important and ensures that we remain pain and injury free, unfortunately over-pronation, or flat feet (as podiatrists we call it pes planus), is a common biomechanical problem that occurs when your arch collapses too far when you stand.

Pronation is a natural motion of the foot as it roles inward and flattens out as your foot contacts the ground. Too much pronation will cause the arch of the foot to flatten excessively placing stress and pressure on the tissues and ligaments in your feet, ankles, shins, knees, hips, pelvis and lower back.  

The best way to determine if you over pronate and to prevent or relieve problems now or into the future is to visit one of our podiatrists who will perform a full gait analysis on a treadmill, your podiatrist can measure the exact  angles and forces of the foot whilst walking or running.

 It is not only the amount of over pronation which is important but the timing of it during the gait cycle as well that needs to be assessed. Our podiatrists help patients with flat feet and can relieve their pain or prevent pain into the future.

Pronation is quite a common problem and may lead to a number of injuries, in runners and non- athletes, including:

  • Arch pain

  • Shin splints

  • Plantar fasciitis / Heel pain/ Heel spurs

  • Achilles tendon problems

  • Stiff big toe (Hallux limitus)

  • Bunions (Hallux valgus)

  • Pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia or Morton’s neuroma)

  • Knee pain

  • Hip pain

  • Lower back pain

  • Arthritis

Treatment and Prevention

Below are some of the treatment protocols that may be used:

  • Orthotics provide the required arch support to effectively reduce excessive pronation and restore the foot and its posture to the right biomechanical position. Orthotics should be designed with appropriate arch support and medial rear foot posting to prevent the over-pronation.

  • Footwear will be assessed to ensure there is a proper fit and support. Footwear with a firm heel counter is often recommended for extra adequate control, support and stability. Improperly fitting footwear can lead to additional foot problems.

  • Strapping/Taping – Taping the foot in a certain way provides support for the foot as well as stability and may be used in acute cases or as a first line treatment.

  • Exercises – to strengthen certain muscles in order to achieve better foot function.

  • Stretches – may be prescribed to help in loosening tight muscles and ligaments, preventing further strain.

  • Joint manual mobilisation – This helps joints that may have become stiff or fixed to loosen up and in turn allowing for better foot function.

Each podiatrist in our Wagga, Albury and Wodonga and surrounding podiatry clinics have experience in assessing and treating patients with flat feet.

If you are concerned that you or your child may have flat feet feel free to take advantage of our 2 week offer where if you book a comprehensive 1 hour flat foot assessment valued at $80, you will pay just $40, saving you $40.

Be quick! We do have limited appointments and this offer does end 21st March! Ensure that you mention this offer when booking to be eligible for your savings. 

Cristy Houghton