Pronation and Supination
Pronation and Supination are biomechanical terms we use in foot and ankle medicine to describe complex triplanar motions. These terms are often misunderstood or poorly defined; pronation often used to describe a flat foot and conversely supination to describe a high arch. The reality is more nuanced. I used the term pronation in the episode on Plantar Fasciitis; here I will explain the motion fully to add context. Understanding proper foot functions is foundational to the series and will help in future episodes when discussing specific conditions that arise from excess or uncontrolled motions.
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Show Notes
Pronation is a complex triplanar motion: eversion of the heel, abduction of the foot, and dorsiflexion of the ankle. Supination is the reverse motions: inversion of the heel, adduction of the foot, and plantarflexion of the ankle. These motions occur at specific phases of gait, the cycle of taking a step.
Pronation is critical for proper shock absorption and adaptation to uneven terrain. Supination is the process of reversing the foot from a mobile adapter to a rigid lever to allow efficient propulsion. When either motion is excessive, prolonged, or unrestricted, specific pathological conditions may follow. Often a condition seemingly unrelated to foot motion can be traced back to an excess of either motion. For example, stress fractures occur more commonly in a supinated foot.
These motions are dynamic, and required for efficient gait. When evaluating a foot type, the static position is one part of the equation. The foot as it functions dynamically is the other. A pronated foot may supinate excessively, slightly, or not at all. Likewise for the supinated foot. It is this complex series of movements that we study when evaluating foot pathology.
The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.