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The angular correction, said to be the functional part of orthotic design, took me almost 4 years to quantify. Even before I knew how to measure these “specific angles”, I knew that when I increased them, I provided additional help to me and my patients.
Once I could quantify these “specific angles”, inherent in ALL functional orthotic design, treatment with orthotics could be scientifically evaluated for the first time. When angular variables related to functional design are not quantified and controlled, scientific investigation is not possible.
When these important “specific angles” could be controlled, studies could be designed to test the relationship of angular change (Theta) on foot function, human biomechanics, and many chronic medical conditions aggravated or caused by human gait.
The first 20 years, I tested Theta with patients from my surgical practice. As I learned how to create change in foot function with different levels of angular correction, my ability to resolve medical conditions increased surgical necessity decreased significantly.
Over the last 12 years, more than 4 thousand patients have been studied and treated without physical examination. Patient education, instruction, fitting and angular prescription, and follow-up care were all administered via the internet and telephone. Internet Treatment protocol has been administered by both physicians and trained specialists.Treatment success has continually improved as I learned how to apply angular control clinically. A significant decrease in the percentage of patients treated surgically was also documented.
More than 8 thousand Theta research patients over a 30 year period have been documented both in my office and over the internet. Medical Conditions treated include Morton’s Neuromas, Plantar Fasciitis, Retro-Calcaneal Bursitis, Posterior Tibial Tendonitis, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Achilles Tendonitis, Peroneal Tendonitis, Hammer Digit Syndrome, IPK’s, Chronic knee pain, Chronic hip Pain, ITB syndrome, Chronic Leg pain, Chronic back pain. Thirty years of clinical research documents the relationship between Theta (quantified angular design) and foot function. The changes in foot function, associated with progressive Theta treatment, effectively control many chronic medical conditions related to gait.
Controversy from misunderstanding over the last 200 years has created confusion and distrust in the orthotic industry, (even among the researchers who study human biomechanics) that precludes the current acceptance of these well-documented principles. Ligitimate research efforts by those few researchers (Dr. Grumbine, Dr Rothbart, Dr Glaser) who do uncover important biomechanical concepts, are very quickly discredited by those with intent on maintaining the status quo.
Brent A. Jarrett DPM
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