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SUPINATING FOOT

A supinating foot is one with an extremely high arch.  The foot and ankle appear to lean or tip to the outside with the person walking and standing very noticeably on the outside border of the foot.  The foot appears to be, and is, rigid.

All feet need to supinate to some extent at toe off.  This provides leverage and helps the toes roll off to complete the step. The problem is when a foot supinates excessively.  

The high convex arch creates shortening of the extensor ligaments in the toes, causing the toes pull back into a claw-like position, with resulting calluses on the bottom of the toes. 

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• Pes cavus foot
• Claw foot
• Extremely high arched and rigid foot
• Pes arcuatus

Symptoms:

• Knee, hip, lower back and neck pain
• Ankle instability or roll over
• Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciatis and strain on lateral collateral ligaments
• One or more spinal vertebrae out of alignment
• Stretched peroneal muscles

Signs to look for:

• Calluses along the outer edge of the foot
• A bump on the back of the heel
• Bunion
• Bunion of the 5^th toe (Tailor’s Bunion)
• Stretched peroneal muscles
• Claw toes and calluses and/or corns on top of toes and bottom of toes

Possible Causes:

• Genetic
• High arches or cavus foot
• Inverted lower extremity (bow-legged)
• Injury
• Neurological condition

Goals:

• Restore postural defects
• Eliminate callusing
• Restore flexibility and relieve arch pain
• Move foot forward with as little lateral movement as possible
• Eliminate corns on top of toes

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift

• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes can accommodate the Symmetry exercising support

• Extra depth shoes with firm heel counter, high toe box and rocker sole

• Shoes with stretchable uppers

• MBT physiological footwear with curved last

• Wear heels and pumps only as long as absolutely necessary

• For exercising, wear shoes with titanium springs

• Avoid going barefoot or do so on a minimal basis only

Other: 

Toe cushioning and straightening devices, such as toe separators, toe straighteners, toe gel caps, toe crests, etc.

Activities:

• Regular stretching of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, Achilles tendon and arch structure

• Rotate weight bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling

This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care.  The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. 

Sources   Image: 2003 Drew Shoe Catalog, J. Taylor, PhD  Text: B. Meanwell, CPed, R. Cailliet, MD, Foot and Ankle Pain