Relieving Chronic Foot Pain–Are There Effective Home Remedies For Hyperpronation?

We live in the age of DIY–"Do It Yourself"-with books, magazines and TV telling us we can do everything from building our own computer to treating our own medical conditions.  Hyperpronation is a condition that causes chronic foot pain.  Can hyperpronation be fixed by using a home remedy?

Good question; but before one asks it, one needs to first understand what hyperpronation is. 

As in all things, before understanding when something is abnormal (such as hyperpronation) we first need to determine what is normal.  So, in order to define foot hyperpronation, we must first define foot pronation:

Foot pronation is a normal rotation that occurs in the feet, in which the subtalar joint (the joint under the ankle joint) moves inward, forward and downward when you walk.  This inward rotation is such a small amount of movement; that as you look at your foot (while walking), the rotation can not be seen. 
 

If your foot normally pronates, you will see a well formed inner longitudinal arch in the footprint, similar to the one in Figure A.  Note the well formed inner longitudinal arch (marked by the white arrow)

It's important for normal foot pronation to occur because this movement allows the entire foot to adapt to uneven ground surfaces (such as stones, slanted or uneven surfaces) when you walk.

Hyperpronation is an abnormal (excessive) rotation that occurs in the feet.  That is, the inward rotation of the subtalar joint is of such a magnitude that it allows the inner longitudinal arch to move downward towards the ground.  If the hyperpronation is severe enough, the inner longitudinal arch may actually reach the ground (See Figure B).  Note the flattened inner longitudinal arch (white arrow).

 

Note the flattened inner longitudinal arch (marked by the white arrow).

You can observe the degree of your foot pronation by doing a 'sand or wet foot test':
"    Wet the bottom of your feet and walk on compacted sand or pavement
"    Look at the footprints

Normal foot pronation will leave foot imprints similar to the one in Figure A.  Excessive foot pronation (hyperpronation) will leave foot imprints similar to the one in Figure B.

Home Remedies That Are Used For Hyperpronation

The two most common home remedies that are used for hyperpronation are arch supports and anti-pronation shoes.  Let's look at the two:

Arch Suppports

Because part of hyperpronation is the process of the inner arch flattening (dropping), arch supports (which support the arch) are used to try to prevent the foot from hyperpronating.  But in many cases the arch supports are uncomfortable or even painful and can feel like walking barefooted on rocks.   For some people arch supports work, for many, they don't.  Arch supports (such as Dr. Scholls) are definitely convenient and can be bought at your local drug store.  So, thumbs up for convenience, thumbs down for effectiveness.  My professional opinion is that while you are in the drug store; instead of buying arch supports, opt for a box of chocolates. 

Anti-Pronation Shoes

Kind of sounds like something you would use to walk on the moon!  But what anti-pronation shoes actually do is keep your foot from rolling inward.  Seems like a good idea, but they usually don't work.  The reason is because while trying to keep your foot from rolling inward, the anti-pronation shoes throw your weight to the outside of your foot.  The result is often that your weight is thrown so far outward that you may twist your ankle, especially when walking on uneven surfaces or going down the stairs.

So, where can one locate a pair of anti-pronation shoes? They can be bought through chain stores and on the internet.  My second professional opinion is, while on the internet, instead of wasting your money on anti-pronation shoes, check out the information here on Curing Chronic Pain. It's not only informative, but also free of charge.
 

Why There Are No Effective Home Remedies For Hyperpronation

There are no safe, effective home remedies to fix hyperpronation because hyperpronation is a symptom of an underlying problem.   That is, in order to correct it, you must first determine and then effectively treat the cause.  A common cause of  hyperpronation is the two inherited, abnormal foot structures, the Rothbarts Foot and the PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity.

If your chronic foot pain is coming from fallen arches, flat feet, hyperpronation or excessive foot pronation, why struggle with temporary fixes and treatments that only work in the short term, like arch supports and anti-pronation shoes?

As you learn more about my innovative therapy, you may find that addressing and effectively treating your foot structure may be the missing link to ending your long time battle with unrelenting muscle and joint pain.

For simple home remedies that may give you foot pain relief, read: Can Home Remedies Give You Foot Pain Relief? 
 
To find out if you may have an inherited, abnormal foot structure,click here to take the Rothbarts Foot Questionnaire.

If you have questions about what's involved in being treated with Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy, see our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Page by clicking here.

If you would like to contact me regarding an appointment to resolve your pain, click here.

Professor/Dr. Brian A. Rothbart
Chronic Pain Elimination Specialist
Discovered the Rothbarts Foot and PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity
Developer of Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Designer of Rothbart Proprioceptive Insoles
Founder of International Academy of Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Author of Forever Free From Chronic Pain