How Effective Are Custom Orthotics in Correcting Overpronation?

Overpronation is a foot problem categorized by the ankle rolling too far inward as you walk, putting extra pressure on your big toe and the inside of your foot. This can lead to a number of other conditions like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis, among others.

A custom pair of orthotics can be prescribed to try and correct overpronation, but how effective are they?

Using Custom Orthotics to Treat Overpronation

Treating the Condition

Custom orthotics, when worn often, force your foot to operate in a certain way. Since one of the primary causes of overpronation is flat feet, wearing orthotics will help create the arch in your foot by both reshaping it and training the weakened muscles to operate correctly over a period of time.

Alleviating the Symptoms

Since all of the secondary conditions that come from overpronation are pain-related, at the very least, you should be able to find some relief from custom orthotics. Taking some of the stress off of the affected areas will help reduce pain and inflammation.

A Final Thought: Can Custom Orthotics Cure Overpronation?

It's unclear whether or not overpronation can be definitively cured in everyone without lasting or possibly returning symptoms. However, the condition can be treated and corrected through a number of methods, such as exercise and shoe choice.

Although custom orthotics may not be a guaranteed cure for overpronation, they can definitely make a much-needed contribution to the overall treatment. Wearing orthotics will force your feet to operate as they should and, over time, become closer to being cured.