Pronation is a normal part of the walking and running cycle — as the foot lands, it naturally rolls slightly inward to help absorb shock and adapt to the ground. Overpronation describes when this inward roll is more pronounced or prolonged than is typical, causing the arch to flatten excessively and the ankle to roll further inward than usual under load.
Some degree of pronation is healthy and necessary. Overpronation only becomes a clinical concern when it is contributing to pain — commonly at the foot, ankle, shin, knee or hip — or when it is significantly affecting movement efficiency. Not everyone who overpronates needs treatment; assessment focuses on whether it is actually driving your symptoms.
Foot Structure
A naturally flexible or low-arched foot type is more predisposed to excessive pronation under load.
Muscle Weakness
Weakness in the muscles that support the arch and control foot position — particularly tibialis posterior and the intrinsic foot muscles — can allow excessive rolling.
Hip & Core Control
Poor proximal control at the hip and pelvis can increase the load transmitted to the foot, exacerbating pronation further down the chain.
Footwear
Worn-out or unsupportive footwear that has lost its structure can allow the foot to roll further inward than it otherwise would.
Increased Load or Training Volume
A sudden increase in walking or running volume can expose an existing tendency to overpronate that wasn't previously symptomatic.
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
Shin splints / medial tibial stress syndrome
Anterior knee pain and patellofemoral pain
Bunions and forefoot overload
We assess static foot posture and, more importantly, how your foot behaves dynamically during walking and running — since pronation under load is what actually matters clinically, not how the foot looks at rest. Treadmill gait analysis with Onform joint tracking allows us to objectively measure the degree and timing of pronation, alongside hip, knee and ankle mechanics through the whole gait cycle.
Treatment is only pursued where overpronation is judged to be contributing meaningfully to your symptoms. Our approach combines biomechanical correction with strength work to address the underlying drivers, not just the symptom.
If you have recurrent pain in the foot, shin, knee or hip, particularly related to walking or running, and suspect your foot mechanics may be a factor, a biomechanical assessment can clarify whether overpronation is contributing and whether it's worth addressing.
Is overpronation always a problem?
No. Many people pronate more than "average" and have no pain or issues at all. It's only worth addressing when it's contributing to symptoms — this is why assessment focuses on the link between your mechanics and your specific complaint, not on trying to correct pronation for its own sake.
Do I need custom orthotics?
Not always. Some people respond well to semi-custom insoles, footwear changes or strengthening alone. Custom orthotics are most useful where more significant, targeted control is needed and simpler measures haven't been sufficient.
Can I fix it with exercises alone?
In many cases, yes — improving foot, calf and hip strength can meaningfully improve active control of foot position. In more structurally driven cases, exercises are usually combined with orthotic support for the best results.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Biomechanical assessment and orthotics are typically covered by most major insurers. We work with Bupa, Aviva, WPA and others. See our
insurance page for full details.
Ready to book your assessment?
We'll identify whether your foot mechanics are contributing to your pain and build the right plan to address it.
