FAQ
How do I know if I overpronate?
What is the impact of over-pronation?
What is the impact of supination?
How does over-pronation change the body?
Over-pronation causes the ankles to roll in. The legs are internally rotated causing the knees to track inside the feet (rather than over the feet). This causes the pelvis to rotate forward, forcing the upper body to lean forward..
What causes over-pronation?
What causes supination?
If you supinate when you walk or run, you are an over-pronator (hyperpronator) in disguise. Supination is a neuromuscular overcompensation for hyperpronation that causes you to subconsciously favor the outside of your feet in an attempt to overcome hyperpronation.
Is over-pronation and supination symmetrical?
No. Over-pronation and supination is often asymmetrical. Most people seem to over-pronate more on the left side, but many over-pronate more on the right. Asymmetry is a major cause of pelvic instability.
Does over-pronation and supination cause different shoe wear?
Yes. Over-pronators typically show a wear pattern on the bottom of the shoe on the inside of the forefoot, particularly under the second metatarsal head (ball of the foot). They may wear either the inside or outside of the heel. Supinators wear their shoes out from the middle to the outside in the forefoot, and wear heavily on the outside of their heels with some wear underneath the big toe.
What is motion control?
In the footwear industry, motion control is overcoming the impact of over-pronation (ankles that roll in) or supination (ankles that roll out).
What are motion control shoes?
Motion control shoes incorporate features (technology) aiming at reducing and controlling over-pronation and supination
How is motion control achieved?
Traditional thinking attempts to control the motion of the foot by immobilizing the arch and locking the heel in place (referred to as mid and rear foot control). This is done by using arch supports to immobilize the arch and heel cups and lacing systems to hold the heel in place. Some shoe companies are also incorporating wedges or multiple density materials to raise the inside of the entire shoe or just the heel to “shim the foot into a more desirable position”.
Who needs extra cushioning?
The need for exaggerated cushioning in shoes for “normal” feet is a sign that the motion control technologies (arch supports and heel cups) are not very effective. A hard heel strike is usually a function of supination when walking and running. A reduction in supination will typically soften the gait. Excessive cushioning serves to destabilize the foot (picture standing on an air mattress).
Who needs arch supports?
People who have flat feet often over-pronate significantly. An arch support will help reduce static over-pronation when the person is standing still. Arch supports start loosing their effectiveness the instant the heel lifts off the ground.
Who needs heel cups?
Nobody - unless they have heel spurs. If that is the case, heel cups helps disburse the pressure away from the painful area. A heel cup does nothing for foot mechanics. It does not laterally stabilize the heel.
Who needs wedges (medial heel post)?
What is the new concept of motion control?
What is the advantage of correcting the forefoot?
How was Neuromuscular Motion Control™ discovered?
What is proprioception
Proprioception is the body’s sense of position, direction and motion. Proprioception is the regulating neuromuscular mechanism that allows you to stand upright even if someone bumps into you. Proprioception causes an immediate muscle action intended to regain balance and equilibrium.
Why is this technology called Neuromuscular Motion Control™?
We call it Neuromuscular Motion Control™ because we believe it most closely describes how it works
What does Neuromuscular Motion Control™ look like?
Neuromuscular Motion Control™ looks like a wedge underneath the first metatarsal and big toe. The patented geometry (wedge), dimensions and position has been verified on thousands of patients in clinical settings.
How are ProKinetics® Insoles different from orthotics?
Orthotics use passive support in an attempt to stabilize the foot by immobilizing it. ProKinetics Insoles® succeed in stabilizing the foot by properly activating and balancing the muscles controlling the foot.
How does Neuromuscular Motion Control™ work?
If over-pronation is asymmetrical should correction also be asymmetrical?
No. A substantial amount of testing has been done to determine if asymmetrical compensation is more effective. There is a chicken and egg scenario at work here because over-pronation is not the only factor that can impact pelvic instability. Common Compensatory Patterns (CCP) are muscle compensation patterns set up in the body as a response to asymmetry or imbalance, so conceivably a very small imbalance of over-pronation of the foot can lead to a compensatory pattern that magnifies it’s impact. We only recommend symmetrical use of ProKinetics® Insoles.
If over-pronation is very excessive, do I need more neuromuscular compensation?
Sometimes. ProKinetics® Insoles come in three different vertical dimensions. The generic version is 3.5mm. The intermediate version is 6.0mm and the extra strength measures 9.0mm. If you wear a generic 3.5mm ProKinetics® Insoles and you still think you pronate too much, increased compensation can be provided for you by specialists who are trained to recognize what is most appropriate for you.
How will I notice the difference?
How long will it take to notice the difference?
You will notice the difference immediately. People differ in the length of time it takes their muscles to re-posture, but you should expect to feel the full benefits of the ProKinetics® Insoles in 7-10 days provided you wear them full time in all your shoes. If you only wear them a little now and then, you may barely feel any benefits at all. As you use your ProKinetics® Insoles, you retrain and strengthen your muscles. A good golfer for example, plays by wrote (muscle memory). Muscle memory is created by repetition. Your postural muscles work the same way.
Do ProKinetics® Insoles work for everyone?
Almost everyone. ProKinetics® Insoles work for over 90% of the population because over 90% of the population over-pronates or supinates to various degrees.
Can Neuromuscular Motion Control™ harm me?
No, this technology does not structurally change your foot. It does not roll your foot out (supinate) it even though it might feel like it in the beginning. This technology does not cause any permanent changes to your structural or muscular systems. Muscles strengthened by using ProKinetics® Insoles will weaken if you discontinue wearing them in much the same way muscles atrophy when not exercised.
Are there conditions where ProKinetics® Insoles would not be recommended?
Why don’t ProKinetics® Insoles have to be custom made like orthotics?
Why do generic 3.5 mm ProKinetics® Insoles work for so many people?
The technology used in ProKinetics® Insoles is unique because it is not linear. The effect of the stimulus provided by a generic pair of insoles is not doubled by doubling the amount of stimulus. Generic ProKinetics® Insoles are optimized to give the maximum benefit to the largest group of people without giving too much. The next level only adds 2.5 millimeters (.1 inch).
Do I need to wear ProKinetics® Insoles all the time?
Yes. First of all, you are making up for a structural deficit. It will not go away. Secondly, as you use your ProKinetics Insoles™, you retrain and strengthen your muscles. A good golfer for example, plays by wrote (muscle memory). Muscle memory is created by repetition. Your postural muscles work the same way. If you quit wearing your ProKinetics® Insoles you will return to your old pronation pattern.
What kind of shoes would you recommend?
What other advantages do ProKinetics® Insoles have over Motion Control Shoes?
Does it take time to get used to ProKinetics® Insoles?
How long do they last?
With typical use, ProKinetics® Insoles may last for 12-18 months. If you are very active in sports, don’t expect them to outlast your shoes. They are guaranteed against material defects for 6 months.
Can I switch them between shoes?
We recommend you do. Make sure they fit properly and that you have sufficient room over the big toe. They should not be able to slide around in your shoe.
Should I remove the sock-liners from my athletic shoes?
It depends. The sock liners in most shoes are just cheap pieces of plastic designed to make the shoe look and feel a bit more elegant. Sometimes they actually have a function such as absorbing and transporting moisture. If there is enough space in the shoe to slide the ProKinetics® Insoles underneath the sock liner, it will last longer while still providing the same benefit. If this makes the shoe too tight, remove the sock-liner and replace it with a trim-to-fit pair of single layer foam rubber inserts. These are inexpensively purchased from drug stores often called, "air pillows". This will give the sensation of cushioning but take up less volume in the shoe.
Can they be washed?
Hand-wash in mild soap and lukewarm water. Lay flat to air dry
Can I wear ProKinetics Insoles®in high heel shoes?
Yes. We don’t recommend heels over 1.5 inches, but even for heels higher than that, ProKinetics Insoles® will have a positive impact. You will notice that your weight is more evenly dispersed over the balls of your feet causing less pressure underneath the second metatarsal head.
Can I wear ProKinetics® Insoles in soccer cleats?
Yes. ProKinetics® Insoles work well in soccer cleats. Soccer cleats are much more rigid shoes, and tests with both adults and teens show that ProKinetics® Insoles provide their positive effects by reducing over-pronation and supination.
Can I wear ProKinetics® Insoles in my ski boots?
Yes. Adding ProKinetics® Insoles to your ski boots is a good idea. Expect less pressure on the inside of your ankle and calf against the boot and better edge control. Good for snow-boarding too.
Do ProKinetics® Insoles work for Seniors?
Generally, yes. Seniors wearing ProKinetics® Insoles have responded well. Some have also experienced warmer feet from improved circulation caused by less pressure on the posterior tibial artery providing blood flow to the soles of their feet. If the person suffers from severe arthritis, ProKinetics Insoles® may not offer much relief from pain.
Will wearing ProKinetics® Insoles resolve all my muscle pain?
ProKinetics® Insoles will help resolve most muscle pain that is associated with hyperpronation and instability of the foot such as shin splints and tight IT (Iliotibial) bands. You may also find relief from many common compensation patterns that develop from pelvic instability, but what you should also know is that muscle cramps or trigger points can become self perpetuating. That means that a change in posture or muscle use caused by using the ProKinetics® Insoles will not necessarily relieve the the pain. You will need the assistance of a professional who knows how to treat trigger points.
האם רפידות ProKinetics יעילות בטיפול Plantar Faciitis/דלקת חותלת השעל (דורבן) ?
? Do ProKinetics® Insoles help for Plantar Fasciitis
כן. פלנטר פצאיטיס נגרם מקריסת יתר (היפר-פרונציה). קריסת יתר גורמת להַעֲקָמָה מוגזמת של כף הרגל אשר מותחת את רקמת החיבור (פסיה) בתחתית כף הרגל, תהליכי מתיחה מתמשכים אלו יוצרים מיקרו קרעים בנקודת החיבור לעצם העקב (Calcaneus) וגורמים לכאבים. רפידות ProKinetics מפחיתות את הַעֲקָמָת כף הרגל. כמו כן, רפידות ProKinetics מסופקות עם תומכי קשת גמישים (צהובים) אשר ניתנים לשימוש באופן זמני להפגת לחץ על הקשתות בזמן ההחלמה.