Over-Pronation (fallen arches)

Over-pronation is very common and affects millions of Australians. To better understand this condition, we'll take a closer look at the 3 most common foot types. An estimated 70% of the population has fallen arches (or a low arch). Only 20% has a normal arch. And 10% have abnormal feet, in other words they either have flat feet or the opposite - a high arched foot.

Flat feet - Pes Planus (5% of the population)

Flat feet indicates that no arch is present and the underside of the foot lies completely flat on the ground.

The true 'flat foot' is very rare. In fact, less than 5% of the population have flat feet with no arch present whatsoever.

It is quite normal for small children to have flat feet, however the arch usually develops as they get older. If the arch hasn't developed yet by the age of 5 or 6 the child may need children's orthotics.

High arched foot - Pes Cavus (5% of the population)

Various medical studies found that a combination of stretching exercises and wearing an orthotic shoe insert is the most effective way of dealing with arch pain (This treatment regime is also very effective for the treatment of heel pain).

Footlogics are podiatry-invented orthotic insoles deigned to prevent over-pronation and to support the arches. They help release the tension on the Plantar Fascia, thereby treating the cause of Plantar Fasciitis and arch pain.

Pronating foot - Fallen arches (70% of the population)

Most of us have a low arch. The foot actually appears quite normal and a clear (but low) arch is present under the foot, especially when sitting down...

The situation changes with weight bearing: when we get up the arch lowers. When we start walking the arches collapse and the ankles roll inwards. This is called over-pronation - or fallen arches. Over-pronation is not the same as flat feet as often noted.
flat feet
Flat foot
high arch foot
High arched foot
fallen arches over-pronation
Pronating foot

Pronation itself is not wrong as we need to pronate and supinate as part of our gait. Pronation (rolling in) acts as a shock absorbing process and supination (rolling out) helps to propel our feet forward.

Over-pronation occurs when we pronate too deep and for too long, not giving the foot a chance to 'recover' and supinate.

Excessive pronation hampers our natural walking pattern, causing an imbalance and leading to wear and tear in other parts of the body, with every step we take! Whether you have a true flat foot or suffer from over-pronation in both cases your poor walking pattern may contribute to a range of different complaints. Especially with age, poor alignment of the feet will cause very common conditions such as Heel Pain or Knee Pain.

Over-pronation has different causes. Obesity, pregnancy, age or repetitive pounding on a hard surface can weaken the arch leading to over-pronation. Over-pronation is also very common with athletes, especially runners and most of them nowadays use orthotics inside their shoes.
pronation-supination
pronation arch flattens feet roll inwwards
It is estimated that 'over-pronation' affects over 70% of the Australian population and contributes to a range of common complaints including:
The most effective treatment solution for over-pronation is wearing an orthotic shoe insert. Footlogics orthotics correct over-pronation, thereby providing natural, lasting pain relief to many aches and pains.
back pain, knee pain and foot pain
Recommended orthotics for fallen arches (over-pronatinon): Footlogics Comfort or Casual