Pronation in the foot – causes, symptoms and stabilising insoles
Pronation describes the natural inward movement of the foot under load and functions as an important part of the body's shock absorption. In most people, pronation is completely normal, but when the angle becomes too large, overpronation occurs, which can lead to pain and overuse injuries.
What is pronation in the foot?
Pronation means that the foot moves inward when under load. A normal pronation angle is around 6–8°, while mild pronation is 9–11°. Overpronation, more than 12°, increases the risk of overuse injuries in the foot, lower leg and upper body. People with flat feet always pronate, as the low arch of the foot creates increased inward movement.
Symptoms
- Pain in the foot, lower leg, or knee
- Feeling of tiredness in the feet after activity
- Wear and tear injuries to the soft tissues of the foot and leg
- Incorrect posture in steps that affects the knee, hip or back
Common causes & risk factors
Overpronation is often linked to low arches or flat feet. It can cause or worsen several problems: periostitis, plantar fasciitis, pain on the inside of the knee joint, unstable kneecaps (patella luxation/subluxation) and medial osteoarthritis problems in the knee joint. The risk increases with hard surfaces, improper shoes and high loads in sports or everyday life.
When should you seek medical attention?
If you have persistent pain, recurring injuries, or problems that affect your walking pattern and everyday activities, it is wise to contact healthcare for further assessment.
Recommended protection & support
A pronation insole is designed to reduce the degree of overpronation by placing the foot in a slightly supinated position (turned outward). This creates a straighter step and a more neutral load on the foot, knee and hip. Pronation insoles can be used in most shoes and help relieve foot pain, reduce the risk of overuse injuries and improve the stability of the step. See all our products for the foot here .
About our Injury Guide – quick guidance in case of complaints
In our Injury Guide you will receive clear and easy-to-understand information about common injuries, how they occur and what symptoms usually occur. You will also receive recommendations on which protection and aids can relieve your discomfort and help you further in your rehabilitation. All information is based on expert knowledge from our licensed physiotherapist.
For more information about the foot and heel, you can read more in the Injury Guide Foot & Heel, and you can also go to the Injury Guide's main page to read about other injuries and symptoms.
Related injuries:
Find the right protection for your needs
There are several ways to find the right product on our website. For a more personalized selection, you can use our filters and sort by injury, body part or sport. You can also get help from our AI assistant Eir, who is trained on all the content on our website and can help you with product recommendations, fit questions and order-related concerns – 24/7. If you would rather speak directly to our licensed physiotherapist, Ida, you can reach her via email or phone for personal advice and support in your product selection.
