Dr. Rick's Health Tip of the Month

February 2001

Check for Excessive Pronation

By Rick Allen, DC

Excessive pronation, commonly known as "flat feet," can lead to a host of problems all the way up your body, from aching arches to knee pain to low back pain and even to headaches! Perform this simple check for five red flags indicating possible excessive pronation that should be evaluated professionally. You may need professionally fitted supports, called orthotics, for your feet.

1. Do your medial arches of your feet flatten more than 7mm (about 1/3 of an inch)? Or, is the difference in the drop between the left and right foot more than 4mm (about 1/8 of an inch)? (See illustration, right, of professional evaluation of medial arch or navicular drop.)
2. Are your Achilles tendons bowed inward?
3. Do you have excessive foot flare while walking ("duck walk")?
4. Do your knees point inward as you stand?
5. Do you have excessive wear on the outer edges of the heals of your shoes? Is it different left compared to right?

Dr. Rick Allen is a chiropractor, massage therapist and dance student in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Rick welcomes your questions and suggestions for future articles. However, he cannot make specific diagnoses or treatment recommendations unless you visit him in person. He can be reached by phone: 503-257-1324, mail: 221 NE 78th Avenue, Portland, OR 97213, e-mail or World Wide Web: www.CascadeWellnessClinic.com

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