Arches are fascinating structural components. They provide tremendous support to bridges because force loads are not directed straight downwards, but instead passed along the curves. Your body has arches, too, that are located in your feet. These foot structures also provide support and are integral for a natural process called pronation.
This is a biomechanical—how your body moves—process that assists in absorbing shock from the tremendous forces that accompany taking a step. It is an inward-rolling motion that starts with your heel striking the ground and continues all the way through the final push from your toes. This process is important on account of the functions it needs to achieve, but there are variables that can have an impact on those functions.
Everyone’s pronation can be affected based upon their arch types. There are three basic foot arches: moderate, high, and low (flat feet). Each type correlates with a particular form of pronation:
- Individuals who have moderate foot arches pronate in a normal manner. This arch style is conducive to a natural rolling manner of about 15 degrees and does not have any corresponding problem attached to it.
- Individuals with flat feet are more likely to overpronate. This means that the rolling motion is excessive and this can lead to pain in the ankles, knees, hips, and back. The reason for this is simply that everything connects. When your foot rolls too much, it forces your legs to move in an abnormal fashion, in turn this affects the hips and back.
- Individuals with high arches have a tendency to supinate. As you might imagine, if people with low arches roll their feet too much, those with high arches do not roll their feet enough. This means that the outside edges of the feet take on too much stress and force. Conditions that can result include stress fractures and plantar fasciitis.
If your arch type causes pronation issues, you need a Massapequa, NY podiatrist who can create orthotic devices that will provide support, control foot motion, and reduce any painful symptoms. Fortunately, our office can do exactly that for you! Give Foot Specialists of Long Island a call today at (516) 804-9038 or use our online form to schedule your appointment.
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