What is hyperpronation or "flat feet"?

Pronation is a normal function of the foot. Specifically, it is the motion between the ankle bone, which turns inward, and the rest of the foot which turns outward. This is a vital characteristic of the foot to aid in proper walking and standing.

Hyperpronation is a deformity occurring when there is excessive pronation in the foot. This excessive motion of the ankle on the heel bone will create instability of the foot when standing and when walking, and it will result in the abnormal closure of a naturally existing space between the two bones, called the sinus tarsi. This loss of stability in the rear foot will often times cause the foot structure to flatten, hence the condition's popular name of "flat feet".
 

Two types of flat feet: flexible and rigid

There are two general types of hyperpronating or "flat feet": flexible and rigid.

Flexible flat feet - Flexible flat feet retain all their natural flexibility and their ability to adopt a normal shape. In many cases, flexible flat feet will even appear normal when no weight is applied, but will "flatten" when the patient stands or walks. Because of their ability to readapt to a normal shape and structure, flexible flat feet are perfect candidates to benefit from HyProCure. Fortunately, the vast majority of flat foot cases fall under this category.

Rigid flat feet - Rigid flat feet present a more permament deformity and have lost most or all of their flexibilty. Rigid flat feet lack the ability to readapt to a normal position, and therefore are not good canditates for HyProCure. This kind of flat foot presents a more complex medical condition, and it will require a different treatment approach. Rigid flat feet are the minority of flat foot cases.
 

Why is this condition a bad thing?

Just as the old adage says “too much of anything is not a good thing,” the same is true when it comes to excessive foot motion. The abnormal function of the flat, or hyperpronating foot, will cause the weight distribution and natural motion of the entire body to go off balance when standing and walking.

Since walking is the second most common thing we do after breathing, the cumulative damage caused by this imbalance can be very extensive over time. It can lead to serious complications in the entire support system of the body. This includes ankles, knees, hips, back, and even neck and shoulders. And what's worse, doctors may often treat each of the symptoms as they appear, leaving the root of the problem undiagnosed.