Ask the Doctor
Dr. Harry Hlavac is a practicing podiatrist with over 30 years of clinical and teaching experience. He has been President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and Clinical Professor of Biomechanics at the California College of Podiatric Medicine.
What are pronation and supination?
When we walk, the foot pronates (rolls inward) on contact to adapt to the supporting surface and supinates (rolls outward) as the arch rises during propulsion. As the foot pronates the joints become loose and adaptable. As the foot supinates the joints become rigid and stable for leverage.
Excessive pronation flattens the foot causing imbalance of the foot, leg and entire body causing pain in the foot around the arch, inner ankle, shin, knee, hip and low back. Support from Good Feet arches prevent excessive pronation and relieves these problems. If the foot remains supinated and rigid during gait it does not accept shock. Arch supports with cushions relieve step shock.