I currently wear plastic prescription orthotics. Are yours better, and what correction should I start with?

Many of the patients I treat, especially on the internet, have already learned the value of custom orthotics. Some have tried many different types of orthotics in hopes they will find a new one that will work better and resolve more pain than the ones they have been wearing. Often, their medical specialist prescribes a “new” or different design suggesting that their current device is too old. Generally, the patient is disappointed because the new, expensive device is worse or no better than the one they had before.

All too often I hear patients describe purchasing 3-6 different orthotic devices in an effort to relieve more pain. They recognize the value of foot control and support because if they go without their orthotic, the pain gets worse. Most patients who have worn prescription orthotics for more than 3 months readily admit they cannot go without their orthotics, but sadly complain of very high levels of pain that is still unresolved.

Prescription orthotics generally fitted from non-weight bearing slipper casts of their feet are usually made from a hard, plastic material. These rigid plastic devices often only work in oversized shoes, and rarely resolve their symptoms completely even when used during all weight-bearing periods.

The prescription orthotics you receive from your foot specialist are not quantified with regard to angular correction (Theta); but after measuring hundreds of orthotics, I have found that they usually have between 15 and 21 degrees of Theta correction. Although this correction level is generally more helpful than other options they have tried, it is ultimately not enough.

If a patient has been wearing prescription orthotics for an extended period of time, I recommend that they go to a 20, 25 or even a 30 degree device. This will nearly double the correction they are currently getting, permit use in many more shoe types, and reduce symptoms considerably more than the device they are currently using.

Correction levels between 30 and 40 degrees of theta are often required in difficult cases to resolve symptoms completely or as best as possible.

Theta-Orthotics PO Box 1574 Riverton Ut. 84065