Pronation

From WikiRun

In anatomy, pronation is a rotational movement^[1] of the forearm (at the radioulnar joint) or foot (at the subtalar and talocalcaneonavicular joints).^[1][2]

For the forearm, when standing in the anatomical position pronation will move the palm of the hand from an anterior-facing position to a posterior-facing position without an associated movement at the shoulder (gleno-humeral joint). In other words, with the arm hanging next to the body, the palm of the hand will rotate to face the leg rather than facing the back. For the foot, pronation will cause the sole of the foot to face more laterally than when standing in the anatomical position.

Pronation is the opposite of supination.

Pronation of the foot

The pronated foot is one in which the heel bone angles inward and the arch tends to collapse. A "knock-kneed" person has overly pronated feet. This flattens the arch as the foot strikes the ground in order to absorb shock when the heel hits the ground, and to assist in balance during mid-stance. If habits develop, this action can lead to foot pain as well as knee pain, shin splints, achilles tendinitis, posterior tibial tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.^[3]

Some pronation is a natural part of a running gait. However, runners who over-pronate control this tendency by wearing motion control shoes or orthotics.

See also

• How to buy running shoes

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} Kendall FP, McCreary EK and Provance PG. (1993).Muscles Testing and Function. 4th Edition. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Philadelphia. ISBN 0-683-04576-8.
2. ↑ Brukner P and Khan K. (1993). Clinical Sports Medicine. 1st Edition. McGraw-Hill Book Company. Sydney. ISBN 0-07-452852-1.
3. ↑ Common Foot Problems.