Question about pronation?

I have quite bad pronation of my ankles (due to Marfan syndrome) and I'm waiting to see the podiatrist to get some prescription insoles made for my shoes. The waiting list is currently about 11 months long. Is there anything I can do in the meantime? I have some shop-bought inserts, but they don't work very well. Sometimes my ankles get really sore because of this. Recently I've started having problems with my hips as well and I'm sure the fact that I don't walk properly doesn't help.

Question about pronation?
As a Reflexologist, I work with a lot of feet and help people solve a lot of problems.





The best non-perscription insoles we've found are superfeet. They are reasonably priced and very durable. You can order them online at:


http://www.superfeet.com/





The other thing that fixes a lot of foot problems is Earth Shoes. They are pricey but several of my clients say they are worth their weight in gold.


You can buy the online at: http://www.planetshoes.com/brands.asp?bc...
Reply:No not really.... you will need custom made insoles. A pair of training shoes with built in antipronation devices fitted are helpful. I would get in touch with the Podiatry service and tell them about your increasing problems, especially in your hips and hopefully they will be sympathetic on your waiting list place... you can also ask to be put on the cancellation list if you can attend the hospital at short notice (usually a few hours)
Reply:Marfans is a connective tissue disorder affecting the elasticity of your ligaments and other connective tissue.


Because of this the ligaments don't spring back as easily as in someone without marfans and behave a bit like a spring that has overstretched hence doesn't recoil back (I'm sure you already know this but just in case someone reads it and doesn't know....). The net effect would be to make the supporting arches in your foot fall leading to this pronation.


I agree this will change the loading in your knees and hips and could consequently cause imbalance problems I.e pain.





What can you do to help?


Well strong muscles support weak ligaments.


Walking with your heals rotated slightly outwards is a good way to help rebuild the arches.


See if your GP can refer you to Physiotherapy for some prescriptive exercises to build the muscles in your feet and ankles. Otherwise start off with non weight bearing strengthening exercises and build up to weight bearing strengthening exercises using things like wobble boards (be careful not to weight bear until you have sufficient strength to do so. Your connective tissues are far more easily damaged than your average person).





If your doctor is not compliant you can go down the private manual therapy route but i would advise you to shop around and find someone who has experience in treating connective tissue disorders.


For example, I could treat you but someone with more experience would probably give your more specific advice better suited to your needs than I would.





Please don't do Yoga. It builds strength but encourages excessive flexibility (Indians have body types with far greater mobility than europeans). Your body is already far too flexible and because of your condition could be damaged by yoga posses.


It is unlikely a Yoga teacher would have the level of expertise necessary to teach you correctly especially in a class with more than just a few students.
Reply:Ask your Doc to refer you for Physiotherapy. Once their ask them about Pilate's exercise and if they can show you a few good exercises to try, if not a local class to join. I have RA and the Hospital PT sent me to a Pilate's Class. It was tough work and one day we were told to stand on one leg, no problem, until I tried it! I then returned to PT due to 4 degree pronation on both feet, turning inwards and have temporary PT made insoles until the real ones arrive. However the benefits are excellent and it was well worth all the waiting, asking, exercise and I am off on a nice three mile walk now. Good Luck



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