Do you need orthotics for flat feet?
Flat feet in a child
So if you really have flat feet, you have known it sense you were a young child. You have probably been looking for some type of arch support /orthotics for most of your life. Many of you have been using arch supports to correct for flat feet for a significant part of your life. Most all of you who wear some type of foot control device to aid with symptoms of flat feet, are generally looking for something that works better. Bottom line is if you have flat feet you know you that need support for your arches, but your not sure which one of the hundreds that are on the market will work best for you.
What orthotics are best for flat feet?
This is where the problem becomes very complicated. Some physicians maintain that you can not treat flat feet with “custom” orthotics, while other suggest that it is the only effective treatment for flat feet. Many physicians now indorse joint destructive procedures with foot and ankle fusions in an attempt to control the progressive symptoms associated with this very obvious condition. Most patients with flat feet eventually seek and find some relief with one of many OTC foot control devices. Many are fitted with custom orthotics, and some of them continue to wear custom orthotics regularly during all weight bearing activities. Those who do wear supports on a regular basis will acknowledge that they do better with less pain if they use them all of the time, but that symptoms persist.
Why Theta orthotics for flat feet?
Out of hundreds of custom and OTC orthotics on the market, why is the progressive treatment with Theta so much more effective with flat feet?
- If the correction in the orthotic prescribed is excessive as found in many custom products the patient with flat feet will not wear them.
- If the correction in the orthotic is minimal the patients will wear them but see only limited benefits.
- Unfortunately these very limited benefits are either temporary or so minimal that symptoms continue to progress.
With Theta Orthotics we start each patient at a tolerable but helpful level of correction. Once they see limited benefits and adjust to the lower starting correction we increase it by 5 degrees, which almost doubles the treatment benefits. As the patient adjusts to each correction symptoms improve. It may take 2-4 corrections, but Theta Orthotics can restore foot function naturally for flat feet, without invasive and unpredictable procedures.
Dr. Lane started Theta treatment 7 years ago while in his last year of medical school. He was told he needed surgery for his congenital flat feet. He currently practices anesthesiology in NY. Hear how he stopped the pain and avoided surgery.
Restore function, return to activity, and stop the Pain.
This very common condition, is recognized in the medical literature and referred to by several different names, including it’s orthopedic name, Pes Valgo Planus. Patient’s are aware that they are “flat footed” very early in life. They become aware early on that some type of “arch support” is helpful. Unfortunately they have trouble finding one that works well enough to wear full time, and if they do most wish they could find something better.
Babies are normally born with very pronated, or flat feet. Some children begin to develop a better arch within a year from birth. Some of those will maintain an arch through adolescence even into early adult life. Some children never develop an arch.
If ever there was a foot type that cried out for help, the flat foot is the one.
The flexible flat foot is one that may demonstrate some arch during non-weight bearing but flattens out almost completely during weight bearing. A rigid flat foot is one where the joints are locked in a flat position either from birth, caused by arthritis, after an accident, or following surgery. The poor structure and diminished function associated with the flat foot results in foot, knee, hip, back and posture problems.
Progressive angular correction is the best treatment for flat feet.
Theta adds angular correction over time, until all symptoms are resolved, and function is restored. Complete or partial restoration of both arch and foot function is possible with time. The longer you have your problem, the longer it will take to respond. This should tell you to get started as soon as you are able.
Most patients with flat feet will see noticeable benefits from this treatment, many will testify to amazing results.
Brent A. Jarrett D.P.M.
Theta Orthotics can restore your arch and stop the pain.
