What is the Difference Between Pronation and Supination?

Pronation and supination are terms used to describe the orientation and weight distribution of the foot, hand, or forearm during movement. In the context of the foot, these terms describe the mechanics of standing, walking, and running. The main differences between pronation and supination are:

• Pronation: This refers to the inward rolling of the foot as it makes contact with the ground. When you walk or run, your weight is distributed more on the inside of your foot. Pronation is natural and occurs when your feet roll inward, but it becomes a problem when you overpronate, meaning your feet roll in excessively.
• Supination: This refers to the outward rolling of the foot, causing the foot to rise above the ground as you walk. When you walk or run, your weight is distributed more on the outside of your foot. Supination can put excess strain on your ankles and may lead to shin splints, calluses and bunions on the outside of your foot, and pain in your heels and balls of your feet.

Ideally, your weight should be balanced on your feet as you move, and your feet shouldn't lean in (pronation) or out (supination). In a proper stride, your foot should roll forward from heel to toe. Excessive pronation or supination can throw your body's alignment off and make you prone to injuries. It's essential to see a doctor and get treatments that can help correct your stance if you experience overpronation or oversupination.

Comparative Table: Pronation vs Supination

Pronation and supination are movements that occur at the radioulnar joints, which involve the rotation of the hand and forearm. Here is a table summarizing the differences between pronation and supination:

In pronation, the forearm rotates so that the palm faces downwards, and the action is primarily performed by the pronator teres and pronator quadratus muscles. In supination, the forearm rotates so that the palm faces upwards. These movements are important for various activities, such as holding a cup or turning a doorknob (supination) and throwing a ball or doing push-ups (pronation).