Once theta was defined and we could produce custom orthotics quantified at specific angular corrections, we found out that every time we increased correction, more pain was resolved.
What took almost 2 additional years to learn was exactly how much correction was necessary to produce optimal foot and leg function. It was clear very early in our research that a 25 degree orthotic was superior to a device with 20 and lower. However, how much correction is optimal, was yet to be discovered. As we increased correction at five degree increments, we continued to observe both additional benefit and acceptance to the treatment. It was hard to believe that even more correction would provide even more help.
Progressively increasing correction in a group of clinic patients who were diagnosed with a variety of medical conditions, (metatarsalgia, intractable plantar keratoma, Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis, calcaneal heel spur syndrome, retro-calcaneal bursitis, poster tibial tendonitis Achilles tendonitis, and tarsal tunnel syndrome’s) eventually demonstrated that optimal correction was about 40 degrees for almost everyone.
Theta has been measured in many other custom (Podiatric) and “prefabricated” orthopedic devices on the market. We quantified hundreds of devices from more than 20 different orthotics labs, and as many over the counter devices- marketed at state fairs, in magazines, and sold in pharmacies. The range of correction was measured with a tool designed to show Theta was between 5 and 22. The average was 8 degrees when measured in prefabricated orthotics, and 18 degrees in custom prescription orthotics. Finally, there was proof that in general, prescription orthotics are superior to most prefabricated orthotics. The exception to this was a prefabricated device, dispensed in a variety of sizes based primarily on shoe size. It was invented and named after a German scientist know as Dr. Alzner, and is marketed today by several different sources. It comes in both the original 22-23 degree design, and several modified designs with 15 and 18 degrees.
Theta-Orthotics have 20 degrees more wedge than prescription orthotics that are dispensed by your local physician. That equates to 400 percent more help at a fraction of the cost. More Theta = Less Pain
After more than 20 years of clinical experience, since we first realized that the human foot and leg were most optimally controlled with 40 degrees of rear-foot angular correction, we have learned a lot more about the physics, bio-mechanics, and clinical response of patients to treatment with orthotics quantified between 10 and 40 degrees.
In recent years, clinical research with yet a new design addresses the special requirements of foot control during running and jumping. Patients who spend a significant portion of their weight bearing activity up on the metatarsal heads (balls) of their feet are functioning in propulsive the stage of gait. Foot control with traditional rear-foot design characteristics is limited to none during this stage of the gait cycle. These controversial orthotics that control foot function through all stages of the gait cycle have resulted in a new optimal design definition. Foot and leg function is most optimally controlled during all phases of the gait cycle with an orthotic device that has 40 degrees of Theta angular correction at the apex of the medial longitudinal arch and 20 degrees of angular correction at the metatarsals.
Theta research now documents treatment with prescription orthotics over the last 22 years. Treatment with Theta corrections between 10 an 40 degrees, in more than six thousand office and internet patients, continues to support the same definition of theoretical optimal correction, identified almost 20 years ago.