Running

"Shin splints" or sore lower legs can develop from pronated feet

The picture to the right shows that when the foot rolls in (pronates) the lower leg muscles become strained. The muscles that act to lift the arch become strained when the foot collapses or rolls in. This is common in distance runners, or those doing aerobics or step classes. Muscles become inflammed as do tendons ("tendonitis") and the covering of the bone as well ("periostitis").

Proper orthotics can help greatly. Also consider ice and stretching exercises for possible tight calf muscles which would make the front muscles work harder. Strengthening exercises may be required for the front of the lower legs in those runners where the calf muscles overpower the front muscles. Well cushioned shoes reduce jarring during the working day.

Runner's knee

This diagram shows a neutral or proper foot position and knee alignment in the left example, but in the right example it shows a pronated foot and internal rotation of the lower leg, causing abnormal kneecapm tracking. Knee pain due to pronated feet. When the foot pronates, the lower leg rotates inward and this affects the knee. Generalized knee pain under the knee cap is common in runners and is known as "runners' knee" ("chondromalacia"), or more accurately known as "patello femoral syndrome" (See next illustration).

X-ray of kneecap ("patellae")

Thigh bone (femur) is below. Normally the knee cap rides in the groove of the femur, but when a foot pronates and the leg rotates inward, then the kneecap gets pulled to the side and begins to run against the femoral condyle or bump of bone of the femur. This results in wear and tear to the underside of the kneecap and pain is common.

This patello femoral pain syndrome is common in young teenage girls, but males or females of older ages often have this problem too.

Treatment

Orthotics will help greatly Also, strengthening exercises for the thigh muscles helps the alignment problem. Sit with your legs straight out, put a pillow under the knees and press the knees down to squish the pillow. Hold 10 seconds and do several repetitions. Also use ice or frozen peas. Of course, be sure to get a medical opinion to confirm the diagnosis.