How to DEFINITELY know if you over-pronate??

yes. lower abdominals.

I agree, but how come you say lower abdominals particularly? (as opposed to upper, etc)

i dont know whys.

i read it in cressey’s articles and some doctor related websites

Those exercises are good and the lower abs are the ones that “core training” are trying to elicit and strength. These are the ones that connect the upper torso to the lower extremity which would have an effect on your stride length, which causes different foot placement. These could cause a different relationship between the foot and the ground. Again, I don’t like the term “overpronation” and I don’t think it’s something most power/speed athletes have to worry about; only in extreme cases.

So Krusty, would I be right in saying you would have an athlete wear orthotics while there is pain, and have the athlete strengthen and loosen up the appropriate muscles at the same time, and then possibly try to ween off the orthotics once the pain is gone?

Yes, but it might be temporary customized insoles also (orthotics are expensive!) that I give the patient initially when they are in pain. If a proper biomechanical examination can be done, the cause can be determined for the painful symptoms and a more educated decision can be made if orthotics are needed for a longer period of time. Some people may need orthotic control forever, but some may only benefit from it for a year or so.

I just had to stop wearing the orthotics. I realized they were causing discomfort in other areas of my body, and I just feel better without wearing them!