Nordic Walking - Common Foot Conditions
No two feet are alike. This is one common fact that should be taken into account especially when buying shoes for walking. Since we use our feet almost everyday, making thousands of steps on a daily basis, we may not be aware of it but it is inevitable that our feet undergo conditions which can eventually affect not only our decision on the type of shoes to wear but also our day-to-day activities. In this section, learn what these foot conditions are and know what you can do to compensate for them and still enjoy Nordic Walking.
Pronation
This refers to the tendency of your foot to rotate inward too much, thereby placing too much stress on your unsupported edge. Pronating is very common and inevitable since the feet adapt to the ground, but the effect will only be intensified by walking with a heavy backpack. This is called over pronation. This foot condition involves flattening or collapsing of the arch when load is applied.
Symptoms: Check your current walking shoes and other footwear. If the inner edge of the sole is worn out more than the rest of your sole then you are over pronating. The emergence of bunions, corns, and calluses can also be associated with excess pronation. Moreover, you may experience strain or discomfort if you have this foot condition.
Treatment: You can compensate by inserting prescription footbeds in your shoes. You can also consider using orthotics. They are usually prescribed to provide support and minimize the effects of various foot conditions. Consult your doctor for possible corrective therapies.
Supination
This is the exact opposite of Pronation where this time, the tendency is to rotate your foot outward. Likewise, the effect of Supination will be enhanced by walking with a heavy backpack. This results to over supination.
Symptoms: Check your walking shoes and other footwear. If the outer edge of the sole is worn out more than the rest of your sole then you are over supinating.
Treatment: You can compensate by inserting prescription footbeds in your shoes. You can also consider using orthotics. They are usually prescribed to provide support and minimize the effects of various foot conditions. Consult your doctor for possible corrective therapies.
These foot conditions can affect your Nordic Walking performance should you fail to do something about them. They can lead to discomfort and strain and can even cause further foot problems. Make sure to take the necessary measures so you will be able to avoid having to deal with them.
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