Possible Excessive Pronation? - Member Case Study

author : AMSSM

comments : 0

It is difficult to change your gait. But, it can be done by working hard on form running that emphasizes technique, not volume in your training.

Question from textridave:

I have noticed when running that my right ankle flares out. Example, think of your running like the rails on a train...up down and back around. My right heel area on the forward and backwards movement flares at an ankle. I just noticed this last night while running the treadmill. It puts some pressure on my hip. You can visually see the difference.

How can I correct with getting set back into my training? I have tried to run straight, no flare, but even a fast walking pace I was unable to maintain the correct movement in my right leg. This ankle has been broken once and severely sprained 2x. I can tell this will take a toll on my body and might be something I have to live with but I figured I would ask anyway.
 

Answer:

This is a difficult question to answer without looking at your ankle or lower extremity, but from what you describe, it sounds as though your mid foot may be excessively pronating resulting in your lateral heel moving lateral to your ankle at footstrike. If this is the case, a pronation control shoe (a good local running store should be able to help with this) or an over the counter or custom orthotic to control pronation may help.

As you have discovered, it is difficult to change your gait. But, it can be done by working hard on form running that emphasizes technique, not volume in your training. If the issue persists, an AMSSM physician in your area would be a good step. They could look for issues with your lower extremity, including with gait cycle, observing motion at your ankle & foot, and how the tibia (shin bone), femur (thigh bone) and knee and hip joints move with the toe off to foot strike part of your gait cycle. Good Luck!

John O’Kane, MD Member AMSSM

www.amssm.org

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date: April 9, 2005