Theta Biomechanical Research and Theta-Orthotics History

Thirty years ago, I had to find a way to treat my own chronic plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, retro-calcaneal bursitis, and knee pain. Additionally, I had an active podiatric practice with about 10 orthotic patients per month. It became obvious that an increase in angular correction in the wedged portions of orthotics significantly improved the ability of an orthotic to resolve chronic pain. Research efforts were directed toward defining, measuring, and quantifying the “critical angles” that define the wedged portions of orthotic devices.

Although significant controversy exists even today over the definition of a “functional” orthotic, the basis of my research is that a functional orthotic can change the angle of the support plane we stand and walk on. In fact, they change the angle of the horizontal surface from zero degrees to some orther positive (varus) angle. These angles can be expressed in degrees or trigonometric function and can, for the first time, be studied scientifically. 

The primary hypothesis suggests that these “specific angles” relate directly to the function of any orthotic device, and can be quantified in mathematical terms.

• The first step was to define the location of the “specific angles” named years ago by researcher Nick Grumbine DPM.
• The next step was to define a consistent method of measurment.
• The third step was to test the hypothesis clinically.

Step 1. Determining where the “specific angles” were located was relatively easy after a review of the patent literature. More than 70 US patents document the critical points of placement for the 2 basic wedges that were described in the patent applications. One wedge was described to contour the plantar foot at the apex of the MLA (Medial Longitudinal Arch). Another wedge was described as being located directly under the weight bearing metatarsal heads These are the locations of the “specific angles” of function where the support surface of orthotics is related to the horizontal plane. These two basic wedges now had to be measured in scientific or mathematical terms.

Step 3. Test Theta Clinically. For the first 20 years, I collected clinical data from patients from several podiatric practices, including my own.

• For more than 20 years I documented treatment with orthotics with one wedge in the MLA.
• Clinical and Internet documentation with one wedge under the First Metatarsal for 15 years.
• Over 12 years of clinical and internet testing of orthotics with two quantified wedges.

Ironically, my orthotic research was funded by my surgical practice, for the first 20 years. For the last 12 years, my research has been self-funded by the sale of research products to both new and a growning number of existing research patients. More than 6 thousand internet patients have documented case histories with our research grade Theta-Orthotics.

Some important concepts learned over the last 30 years from treating thousand of patients with orthotics designed and quantified with “specific angles” of functional support.

• Every increase in 5 degrees of angle support almost doubles the value of the treatment.
• Good, supportive shoes have about 5-10 degrees of angled support, but it compresses out over time.
• Over-the-counter arch supports have between 10 and 20 degrees with an average of 12 degrees. Some will compress others will not.
• Prescription orthotics measured from 20 different orthotic labs had between 10 and 22 degrees of mostly non-compressable angled correction.
• The highest consistent orthotic was an Alzner at 22 degrees of totally non-compressable angled correction.
• Early years of research suggested that optimal correction was close to 40 degrees for most All patients. Ironic, considering that the highest orthotic measured from any other source was close to 20. 
• Correction levels above 30 degrees were identified as a highly effective non-surgical treatment for Morton’s Neuroma.
• Correction levels above 30 degrees provided effective treatment for 99 percent of plantar fasciitis patients over 5-year study.
• Correction levels above 30 degrees documented a direct relationship between Theta and posture, including postural symptoms.
• Long-term use of Theta levels above 30 degrees has documented progressive changes in posture in patients for up to 30 years
• Change in foot function must be gradual. It must begin at a tolerable level that is unique to each patinet, then progressively increase until all symptoms are resolved or the body refuses additional change to be optimally effective.
• MLF (Medial Longitudinal Arch) wedges were effective by themselves.
• Metatarsal Arch Wedges are effective when use by themselves.
• A combination of both MLF and Metatarsal Arch wedges produces the most natural and efficient gait.
• I theorized 14 years ago, only recently completed the design for, and fabricated custom orthotics DIGITALLY in Nov of 2011.
• A relatively short-term testing of our newest research product has already established this totally Digital control product as the way of my research future.

Theta-Orthotics’ current research direction is clear: Document cases with our Digital Thetas, both on the internet and and in the clinic, and continue to help those who now depend on the benefits of Theta.