Overpronation

Overpronation is a term that is widely misused and abused outside the podiatry profession. This is especially true in running communities where is is often the basis that underpins the manufacture and use of running shoes. Running shoes are typically designed or mild moderate or severe pronators. The evidence that supports this concept is either very weak or nonexistent. The evidence that shows overpronation is a risk factor for injury in runners is that it is only a very small risk factor. The evidence that running shoes should be prescribed based on the amount of pronation, is that this is not supported.

Pronation is a normal health motion in which the ankle rolls inwards and the arch collapses. Overpronaton is obviously when there is too much of this. No one really knows how much is too much and there are plenty of people who have a lot and have no problems.

A lot has been written on the nonsense and myths. At the same time, there are many people pretending to be gurus on this topic when they clearly do not understand it.

Pursing information on ‘overpronation’ on the web means using your critical thinking skills. Check the source. Check the credibility of who is posting the information. Don’t just believe something because it supports your preconceived biases.