What best defines "over-pronation"?

Over-pronation is characterized by an excessive inward rolling of the foot during walking or running. During activities like running, the foot strikes the ground and the arch collapses more than is typical, causing the foot to roll inward. This motion can lead to misalignments throughout the kinetic chain, potentially resulting in various musculoskeletal injuries.

Understanding the mechanics of over-pronation is critical because it can affect stability and balance, exacerbate conditions like plantar fasciitis or shin splints, and contribute to uneven wear on footwear. Knowing this definition helps identify problems in a patient's gait that may require intervention, such as custom orthotics or specific types of footwear aimed at controlling the excessive motion.