Module 7 - Pronation & Supination

Question 1

What is the role of the first metatarsophalangeal joint during running?

Answer 1

It stabilizes the foot, regulates the degree of foot pronation, and assists in forward propulsion.

Question 2

The windlass mechanism pertains to what?

Answer 2

To the dorsiflexion of the toes.

Question 3

What is the plantar fascia?

Answer 3

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue (fascia) that connects your heel (origin) bone to the base of your toes (insert).

Question 4

What is the function of the plantar fascia?

Answer 4

It supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock when walking.

Question 5

What is plantar fasciitis (policeman’s heel)?

Answer 5

Inflammation in the plantar fascia. The inflamed tissue runs across the bottom of the foot.

Question 6

What are symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Answer 6

Symptoms include stabbing pain near the heel. Pain might be worst in the morning.

Question 7

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Answer 7

Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a number of factors, including type of shoes, foot structure, overuse and types of walking surfaces.

Question 8

How do shoes that are too narrow affect the big toe?

Answer 8

If the big toe is restricted, it can’t fully stabilize the foot. This can cause a runner’s power during the push-off phase to decrease, as well as reduce their efficiency and stability.

Question 9

What is the Meyer’s Line?

Answer 9

The Meyer’s Line is a straight axis line that, on a functional foot, goes from the center of the heel, through the big toe joint, and the center of the top of the big toe.

Question 10

What is a bunion?

Answer 10

A bunion is a big toe joint deformity that presents with the big toe angling toward the second toe and a medial bony protrusion.

Question 11

What kinds of exercises are good for stability in the big toe?

Answer 11

Any exercise or movement challenging the big toe to stabilize and strengthen is good. Exercises such as balancing on one leg, plantar flexing the toes, and spreading the toes are good for strengthening the big toe. Stretching the big toe (dorsiflexion), either manually or via a standing stretch are good mobility drill.

Question 12

What are the 4 primary phases in normal gait cycle?

Answer 12

Foot strikes the ground: slightly supinated (land on the outside heel)

Foot travels through the support phase: Foot transitions from supinated to a pronated position

Foot begins the drive phase: Foot is in a pronated position

Foot prepares to exit the drive phase and enter the recovery phase: Foot begins to supinate.

Question 13

clinicians believe that a subtalar joint angle greater than _____ degrees equates to overpronation.

Answer 13

8 - 10 degrees

Question 14

What can contribute to overpronation?

Answer 14

Weak hip abductor muscles

Question 15

What muscles make up the primary hip abductor muscle group?

Answer 15

Gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae.

Question 16

What muscles make up the secondary hip abductor muscle group?

Answer 16

Piriformis, sartorius, and superior fibers of the gluteus maximus.

Question 17

What are flat feet?

Answer 17

The medical term for flat feet is pes planus. Individuals with flat feet have little to no arch in the feet in the standing position.

Question 18

What exercises are often prescribed for people with flat feet

Answer 18

Orthotics and arch-strengthening exercises are often prescribed for those with flat feet.

Question 19

What is Q angle?

Answer 19

The Q angle, which is also known as quadriceps angle, is defined as the angle formed between the quadriceps muscles and the patella tendon.

Question 20

What is patellofemoral syndrome (Runner’s Knee)?

Answer 20

A condition in which the cartilage under the kneecap is damaged due to injury or overuse.

Question 21

What are the visual signs of overpronation?

Answer 21

Knock-knees, During the recovery phase the lower leg swings excessively outward in relation to the upper leg, the foot also tends to turn outward at the rear most part of the recovery phase, and substantial inward angle of the ankle.

Question 22

What are the visual signs of supination?

Answer 22

Bowlegged, during the recovery phase the lower leg swings excessively medially in relation to the upper leg, outward angle of the ankle.