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Theta-Orthotics Research:

Orthotics

Before you learn about our posture correcting, pain-controlling Theta-Orthotics, you should understand a little about orthotics because Theta design came from research with traditional medically prescribed orthotics.

Arch support is a concept that has been understood and applied for hundreds of years. Early researchers in foot function identified three arches in the human foot.  These arches were known as the medial longitudinal, lateral longitudinal, and the transverse metatarsal arches.

All researchers reviewed in the United States Patent Literature, recognized the significance in maintaining these arches as a requirement for proper foot function. All recorded destructive changes in the arches when foot deformity and pain is present. All described postural benefits associated with regular use.

Not long after these arch supports, came a series of patents using materials contoured to a mold of the bottom of the human foot. Over the years, these hard-contoured plates were changed with increased angles and posts to maintain that changed angular position during walking. These devices were called orthotics.

Qualitatively, both arch supports and orthotics contour the plantar foot, apply support to the arches, reduce pronation of the foot and decrease internal rotation of both tibial and femeral segments. All of more than 100 different patents reported changes in posture consistent with clinical use of their device.

Quantitatively, the wedge part of orthotic design related to foot function has never been defined and measured. Some companies can tell you they have added 10 degrees to your neutral position cast but they can not tell you how much was in the neutral plate contoured to the cast, or how much angular tilt is present in their finished product.  Ultimately the angular correction in the finished device is what changes human biomechanics and posture. Even though many researchers in the field of human biomechanics have understood the importance of this wedge in orthotic design, none have quantified the wedged portion of their device, and orthotic treatment has remained more of an art than a science.

Without quantification no one could define or measure the difference between the many different devices on the market.

Theta research 1986-2007 began with the following hypothesis:

All orthotics use a wedge, positioned in the frontal plane, at the apex of the arch, to stop transverse plane rotation of the lower extremity and change human biomechanics (posture). The ability of a device to change foot and leg function is defined by a one to one relationship between the wedge and internal rotation of the leg. Simple geometry can quantify this function defined as THETA.

    Good supportive shoes have 5 degrees of theta support.

  • Birkenstock sandals have 10 degrees of theta angular control.
  • Foot Levelers  and Phase IV orthotics 15 degrees of theta.
  • Prescription Orthotics from your local physician up to 20 degrees.
  • Alzners are next best to Theta-Orthotics with 23 degrees of theta.
  • Theta-Orthotics, seven different corrections, 10-40 degrees of theta.
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Theta-Orthotics 800-558-4382 E-mail Riverton, Utah 84065
Heel Pain