Question
I think I may have over pronation of my ankles. I had to wear a splint for almost a year when I was a baby, but it didn't seem to help much. Both of my ankles turn in so that all of my weight goes on the insides of my feet. I often get cramps in my feet if I don't have super-supportive shoes on. I will probably end up going to a podiatrist about it, since I seem to be having problems while trying to do cardio exercise (balance issues, severe cramping, etc.), but I'd like to get some basic information about it. What would I have to do to correct it? Do they make special shoes for this? What kind of damage am I doing to myself if I don't do something about it?

Also, my 2 year old daughter seems to have inherited the same issue. Are there any proactive steps I can take to correct her feet now?

Thank you!

Answer
Dear Jess,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661,Roscoe Village 60618, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says...
For your foot/ankle pronation. Your foot bone structures are pretty much set in their adult positions, and so raising the arch cannot be done without surgery. That said-it does not mean that you need the surgery.
You can decrease the pain in the feet by weight loss by diet, supportive shoes & possible orthotics. Sometimes exercises like lifting a foot and doing toe-raises on the other foot to strengthen the arch muscles may help. A good diagnosis is the first step in approriate treatment. Start with orthotics & exercises for your daughter also a good diagnosis from your podiatrist


Hope this helps.
Good Luck!
The podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in orthopedics and sports medicine.
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661