Understanding Foot Pronation: The Importance of Custom Orthotics for Pain Relief

Understanding Foot Pronation and the Importance of Custom Orthotics

Just like a building needs a solid foundation, your feet provide crucial support for your entire body when standing and walking. The feet have three arches: the inner arch, outer arch, and the transverse arch, located across the base of the toes. Together, these arches form the Plantar Vault (see green area in the image below).

As we age or experience stress and trauma, these arches may collapse, causing the feet to roll inward as you walk—a condition known as Foot Pronation. Pronation affects the body’s structural foundation, leading to imbalances throughout the skeletal system. This stress can travel up from the feet to the ankles, knees, hips, and even the lower back, often resulting in pain or weakness in any of these areas.

In my chiropractic practice, I always assess foot arches, as foot pronation is frequently a hidden cause of pain elsewhere in the body. If you notice excessive wear on the outer heels of your shoes, it’s a clear sign of pronation.

The most effective way to correct foot pronation is by wearing custom-designed foot orthotics. These orthotics should be soft and comfortable, unlike the rigid plastic ones you may find. Using a digital foot scanner in my office, I create a 3D image of your foot and send it to Foot Levelers, a trusted company that produces personalized orthotics. Once you start wearing custom orthotics, they will immediately address foot pronation, restoring your arches to their proper position and relieving stress on both your feet and the rest of your body. For optimal results, it’s essential to wear them in all your shoes consistently.