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Hello, my name is Alex and I'm from Canada. This is my first blog so I hope I'm doing it right. I have always had flat feet. When I was a kid I used to stumble and fall a lot, and I mean A LOT because my feet were pointing inwards; but that's OK, I was never bothered by it although my folks seemed to be...so I had to try arch supports which I couldn't stand and did not wear and the same goes with walking barefooted - didn't really do anything.
As I grew up I figured out a way to straighten out my feet - I put the weight on the exterior of my feet and managed to keep them pointing straight when walking. This caused another, pretty frequent, problem which was ankle spraining; but I could live with it and it doesn't really happen that much these days. Oh yeah, I remember two other minor problems: sharp pain in my calf muscles for a few years while I was growing up and also, my knees gradually started to make a clicking noise when sitting and standing up. Not a big deal, really. If you are wandering why I'm busting my brain to remember all these details, you'll see it will all make sense later, and BTW, this blog IS about flat feet so keep reading and it will all come together.
About three years ago I bought a pair of rollerblades (I never ever skated before) and tried them out....horrible aching pain in my (almost absent) arch; at first I thought there is something wrong with the rollerblade's shoe but after trying a different pair I figured it's my foot. At this point I started researching to see what I can do about it. Of course the only thing I could find on the web and elsewhere were countless types of arch support and/or heel cup orthotics like the ones you see on TV every day. I tried two different kinds of arch supports: a fairly cheap one from Wallmart and another more sophisticated one with adjustable levels of support with the same end-result - very painful to my feet; I couldn't stand wearing either one for more than 2 days and ended up returning the more expensive ones. So..I kinda gave up at this point and figured rollerblading is not for me.
Now comes the tipping point. I've been hiking, skiing and playing tennis or squash fairly frequently without having any problems. Last summer, after a day hike my right knee started hurting pretty badly..and it continued to be bad. I couldn't really run, it even hurt while walking not to mention climbing stairs. Hiking was out of the question, and almost any other outdoors activity for that matter. After a few weeks I saw a doctor who treated my knee and recommended a couple of exercises which alleviated most of the pain. Good. He also explained to me the problem: my adductor muscles are not in balance and one of them is pulling stronger on the kneecap, moving it slightly out of its place which, in turn, creates more friction and inflammation of the surrounding tissue...end result: PAIN.
Anyway, as long as I kept exercising things were not bad, but as soon as I would stop for a week or so the pain would come back. Let me tell you that at this point both my knees are not just clicking but also squeaking pretty badly when going up and down the stairs. And I'm only 30 so I really had to do something about this. And I kept wandering why the heck is one of my adductor muscles stronger than the other? I-m not doing anything at work or otherwise that would make one muscle stronger. I just walk.
DING!! Yeah. My walking is not right. That's right!! I have flat feet. So if I exercise things are good but as soon as I stop my bad walking takes over and I'm back to where I started. So I kept looking for something else since arch supports were out of the question. Are you bored? Don't worry. We're there. I FOUND IT. 3 weeks ago I found a website that sells insoles that are based on an entirely (I mean TOTALLY) different concept: no heel cup...good, no arch support......goooood. What then?
Guessed it yet??
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These insoles look like a regular thin insole, but have have raised wedge under the big toe and the first metatarsal and a lot of good research backing them up. There is a lot of scientific information on their website, may be boring for some of you, but not for me and, if you decide to check it out, I suggest you read everything patiently and click on all their links as there is good information almost everywhere. It's not your regular shiny and all flashy website trying to grab customers; and they needn't to. They are decent people selling a good product and that's what should grab your attention. And it is a good product as you will shortly see. This website is
Morton's Foot.
In plain language, here is the catch: based on research by Dr. Dudley Morton, Doctor Brian A. Rothbart DPM, PhD, discovered that in many patients, when the ankle is positioned to best support the body, the big toe is raised, bearing little or no weight and the first metatarsal bone is also slightly rotated. In order for the big toe to become weight bearing while standing or walking, it has to travel down and by the time it gets there the ankle rolls inward and the arch of the foot collapses. This medical condition is called hyperpronation or over-pronation. This foot structure originates from birth (congenital) and it's called Rothbart's foot structure.
Now, if you're thinking - No way!! My big toe is not raised, this is not for me - the key words are: "when the ankle is positioned to best support the body" - and if you have flat feet chances are your ankles are not positioned to best support your body; they are rolled inward (bad position) all the time and you see your big toe staying firmly on the ground.
In brief, this is the mechanism and if you have flat feet it's very likely you have Rothbart's foot. Apparently about 80% of the population has Rothbart's foot, ranging from milder to more severe forms. Hyperpronation also causes your body's center of balance to shift forward and causing a full range of related problems in your body.
If you do a simple search in Google with the good doctor's name you will find he also has a Webpage presenting all his research. In my opinion it is sound research and lots of it; but you be the judge. If you have the patience, go ahead, you have the link. By the way, Dr. Rothbart is mentioned in Wikipedia's definition for Orthotics in the heading for Proprioceptive stimulation orthotics. The Posture Control Insoles are a type of proprioceptive stimulation orthotic.
Going back to the Posture Control Insoles, here is how they work: You have the raised wedge of the insole. The moment your big toe touches it and the nerves on the toe sense it, the nerves tell that to the brain. The brain is tricked into thinking that the big toe touched the ground. In response, in the same split-second the brain tells the foot muscles to contract as if the big toe did touch the ground and, when they do, other muscles in your body contract too and that changes your posture to a normal one. Pretty smart isn't it. And simple too, as many genial ideas are. So, as you can see, a simple solution - the raised wedge in the insole - causes a big change. Really cool!! I'm glad I found this site.
What else....after reading all there is on the Morton's Foot website I know a few more things about my symptoms:
1. Remember what I told you earlier that in order to be able to walk straight I am using mostly the outer part of my foot...that is called hypersupination; apparently many people are unconsciously doing it to compensate for hyperpronation.
2. My knee problems are caused by my flat feet. It is called runner's knee: the kneecap is not tracking properly over the knee.
3. Neck pain...sometimes I do have a sore neck...same cause..Although indirectly, hyperpronation causes your body to bend forward, the neck too, and since the head is not fully supported by the spine anymore, gravity pulls it down and strains your neck muscles.
4. Clicking jaw - have that too and never thought it's caused by my feet. It is! Same cause as the neck pain.
So, after researching the Morton's Foot website pretty thoroughly I decided to order a pair of insoles and see how it goes. Their insoles come in two different wedge thicknesses: 3.5mm and 6mm.
First of all they tell you to check the soles from a pair of frequently worn shoes and match it with pictures on the website. Different wear patterns lead to different conclusions about your foot condition and insole wedge thickness. Here is one of my old hiking shoes it is very worn on the outer edge and outer heel. That's hypersupination and the site indicates I need 3.5 mm Posture Control Insoles.
Secondly I had to check my foot mechanics by doing a series squats to track the movement of my knees, first normally and than with two 1/4 inch high stacks of post-it's placed under the first metatarsal of each foot. Normally my knees drew closer together while squatting but, with the post-it's wedged under the foot, my knees stayed in-line with the foot. Conclusion: that confirms I need the 3.5 mm insoles.
There are also other indications that you might have a problem: If your second toe is bigger than the first toe or you have a deeper web space between your first and your second toe, than you have Morton's foot structure. Everyone who has Morton's foot structure also has Rothbart's foot structure discussed earlier. BUT you may still have Rothbart's foot even if you don't have Morton's foot - that's why they have those other tests where you check your shoes and do the squats!!
That's as far as I go with the explanations. You can check out Morton's Foot website for more detailed info and, as I said, try to check all the links, even the ones inside the text.
So here we are, I placed an order for a pair of 3.5mm Posture Control Insoles.
I'll post more (including pictures of the insoles) when I receive the package.
Do you think he should be warned about increased fertility?
Do you think he should be warned about increased fertility?
The good news is that Alex probably won't need to be using Viagra anymore once he receives his new proprioceptive insoles.
__________________
Sincerely,
Kevin
**************************************************
Kevin A. Kirby, DPM
Adjunct Associate Professor
Department of Applied Biomechanics
California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt College
Arch supports, heel posts and heel cups are 50 year old technology, so don't be fooled by new fancy computer images used to sell you the same old orthotics. That old technology was based on a static model of the foot (Roots) and works best when standing still. When your heel lofts you literally step off the arch support because it loses ground support. Hyperpronation must be controlled through the full gait cycle.
This new technology is in the forefoot where it must be to control the full gait cycle. It provides active neuromuscular feedback and control, normalizing your gait and posture from heel strike to toe-off. If aches and pains are getting the best of you, don't give up your favorite activities. Get Posture Control Insoles. They are comfortable to wear and fit in the shoes your already have. They work fast - pain will start melting away immediately. You'll feel so much better, you'll be tempted to overindulge, but if you haven't walked the course for a while, don't walk all 18 holes the first day. Posture Control Insoles help prevent musculoskeletal pain, so what works for your pain is even better for your kids.
Do you think he should be warned about increased fertility?
Just caused me to laugh diet coke up my nose!
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it appears they have the policeman from 'allo 'allo on the payroll
Possibly on the R&D Dept. The sad thing is that the marketing Dept is obviously rather more advanced. This "blog" might well be convincing to Lay people. The diabolical geniuses.
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You'll feel so much better, you'll be tempted to overindulge, but if you haven't walked the course for a while, don't walk all 18 holes the first day. Posture Control Insoles help prevent musculoskeletal pain, so what works for your pain is even better for your kids.
??? Whats works for your pain is even better for your kids???
Words sound like English but i don't understand that sentance at all! And are they actually accusing other people of selling snake oil?!?!?!?!
Robeer,
While I agree with the content of your post, you should probably spell-check if your going to write "sentances" like the one above!
You're not wrong. I've been known to have problems with currant affairs too (like prune affairs but smaller).
Some would claim to be dsyclsocslick and claim disability sympathy. Me i'm just bad at spelling and in too much of a hurry / too lazy to write in word, spell check, and paste into the forum. But still there was a whole thread on Craig needing a spell checker so i'm in good company!
3/10 must try harder.
And Dave it's irresponsible to make me say that in a busy office!
Still can't get over the rothbart posse accusing other people of being snake oil salesmen
You're not wrong. I've been known to have problems with currant affairs too (like prune affairs but smaller).
c
Some would claim to be dsyclsocslick and claim disability sympathy. Me i'm just bad at spelling and in too much of a hurry / too lazy to write in word, spell check, and paste into the forum. But still there was a whole thread on Craig needing a spell checker so i'm in good company!
3/10 must try harder.
And Dave it's irresponsible to make me say that in a busy office!
Still can't get over the rothbart posse accusing other people of being snake oil salesmen
The good news is that Alex probably won't need to be using Viagra anymore once he receives his new proprioceptive insoles.
Hello, my name is Alex and I'm from Canada...sounds familiar?
Yes, it is my blog that started this thread on your forum. And although I'm not a podiatrist, I'll just say a few words.
Kevin: I red the other thread regarding Rothbart's insoles and infertility. But infertility and erectile problems are two different things. And being the scientist that you are, you should have mentioned here a drug that treats infertility and I'm not talking about snake oil here, I'm talking about something that everybody has been using for ages and has been mentioned in a dozen articles in peer-reviewed publications, like wearing boxers. But if I ever need advice on Viagra I can always come back to this forum and get it from you.
I also don't think you would have used this derogatory comment with one of your patients for instance, but maybe, with this forum being an "arena", anything goes.
Looks like the general opinion is against Dr. Rothbarts's research or "research". I was actually very surprised to see how much passion and should I dare say venom was put in some of the posts.
Well, I'm not a podiatrist and whatever I can tell you is that the Proprioceptive Insoles work for me and that's a fact so I owe Dr. Rothbart my thanks. I think this also supports Alex Catto's statements regarding his patients.
Now, regarding Craig Payne's response to Alex Catto on Rothbarts Insoles thread:
"Alex - the exact same success rate that you are claiming can be seen in the "placebo orthotic" in the control group of orthotic randomised controlled trials. Anyone and everyone can claim success!!" i.e. "same success rate" refers to a very high success rate!!
Well, Craig, this statement of yours is a very heavy one. If a drug company would claim this about human testing done on their drug, would you take it? What does this say about podiatry in general
I think this statement could be the topic of a multi-page thread or even a conference in your field of work.
By the way, Dr. Rothbart is mentioned in Wikipedia's definition for Orthotics in the heading for Proprioceptive stimulation orthotics.
He probably wrote it there himself.
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Arch supports, heel posts and heel cups are 50 year old technology, so don't be fooled by new fancy computer images used to sell you the same old orthotics.
I obviously shouldn't be looking for that same old wheel for my car as wheel technology is how many thousand years old?
Kevin: I red the other thread regarding Rothbart's insoles and infertility.
Alex:
I blue it off once I red it.
__________________
Sincerely,
Kevin
**************************************************
Kevin A. Kirby, DPM
Adjunct Associate Professor
Department of Applied Biomechanics
California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt College
I obviously shouldn't be looking for that same old wheel for my car as wheel technology is how many thousand years old?
One can as easily say that buttons are an age-old, very useful and still very effective invention. Still, these days we use both buttons and zippers, but there is no point in getting into polemics about this.
To be clear, I have nothing against traditional orthotics, especially ones that are custom-crafted for each unique individual's problems. They are expensive but worth every penny for many people. I started the blog because, as I'm sure you are aware, there are many, way too many generic products that are not that effective, all of them using more or less the same principles. Personally I don't tolerate anything with arch support, and was at first intrigued and also very curious about the Proprioceptive Insoles because it does sound like it's a new approach, at least to me - one of the general public.
I also think that at least the same amount of virulent criticism and could be directed against other types of ineffective orthotics or insoles that produce way more profit for people that might have even fewer published papers.
To be clear, I have nothing against traditional orthotics, especially ones that are custom-crafted for each unique individual's problems.
Well THAT's a relief. We were all about to abandon the methods we have all been using for 50 odd years with great and repeatable success. But if you're ok with it then we'll keep doing what works.
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I'm talking about something that everybody has been using for ages and has been mentioned in a dozen articles in peer-reviewed publications, like wearing boxers.
I have'nt seen any articles in peer reviewed publications about wearing boxers. Do you have references? Also if you had read the threads properly you would see that there are in fact NO decent articles in peer reviewed journals which support Brians assumptions. He rather likes to claim that there are but there arn't.
However i must complement you Alex. You seem to know your subject very well for a lay person. Talking about articles in peer reviewed journals, using all the lingo, Hyperpronation and such like.
You should also be commended that your interest in podiatry continues after your symptoms are gone! What are the odds of your interest bringing you to a professional forum in which this topic has been discussed so frequently? Uncanny.
I should also thank you for writing such a beautifully worded testimonial. It's good enough to go on Brians website! It reflects almost exactly the claims and launguage of his site. Spooky.
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Personally I don't tolerate anything with arch support, and was at first intrigued and also very curious about the Proprioceptive Insoles because it does sound like it's a new approach, at least to me - one of the general public.
Gosh i'm impressed. YOu know that you don't tolerate anything with an arch after trying all of two pairs. One of them from Wal Mart. However thankyou for reminding us that you are indeed one of the general public. We might have forgotton otherwise.
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also think that at least the same amount of virulent criticism and could be directed against other types of ineffective orthotics or insoles that produce way more profit for people that might have even fewer published papers.
Fewer than none?! Gosh thats pretty unsubstantiated! I think you will find that virulent critism is leveled at any company which makes unrealistic and unsubstantiated claims about it's products. I refer you to the threads regarding Ed Glaser, parish and bell and others.
Anyway thanks for taking an interest bri... I'm sorry, Alex.
I started the blog because, as I'm sure you are aware, there are many, way too many generic products that are not that effective, all of them using more or less the same principles. Personally I don't tolerate anything with arch support, and was at first intrigued and also very curious about the Proprioceptive Insoles because it does sound like it's a new approach, at least to me - one of the general public.
I also think that at least the same amount of virulent criticism and could be directed against other types of ineffective orthotics or insoles that produce way more profit for people that might have even fewer published papers.
Cheers, Alex the blogger
Step 1: Find an affiliate program that pays you for promoting a product
Step 2: Build a blog with nice promotional articles/posts
Step 3: Put loads of your affiliate links and text links in the posts
Step 4: Go onto loads of relevant forums and make great supportive posts with a link in your signature to your blog (just google myflatfeet to see the forums you've posted on)
Step 5: For added profit add Google Adsense to the blog
Its called Forum Marketing is a an old affiliate marketing standard.
__________________
''The bottom line is too many people prescribe devices who haven't got the faintest idea of what they are doing. There are certain unscrupulous labs supporting this. There are too many people in it for the money.'' paraphrasing Simon Spooner
Last edited by LCBL : 7th August 2007 at 06:12 AM.
i looked into these a while back after a colleage came telling me a chiropractor friend of his had attended a presentation and thought they were fantastic ....... don't worry the chiropractor has got over his delusional state and normal service is resumed at his clinic. he does the bones and the pods and cpeds do this inserts for him. :)
.....just google myflatfeet to see the forums youve posted on....
its called Forum Marketing is a an old affiliate marketing standard
I guess the "Prof" has plenty of free time during summer recess. Good to see some of the other forums are just as tolerant of his claims as Podiatry Arena.
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Hi, I found this blog about these new insoles for flat feet (overpronation). You may want to check it out. Here is the link: http://myflatfeet.blogspot.com/
The insoles are thin, don't have arch support but raised wedge under the big toe. That does the trick and builds up the muscles in your arc and also controls your posture. Neat.
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Would absolutely not recommend these insoles - this particular blog is nothing more than a marketing ploy from the distributors of 'posture control insoles' a crank device which is claimed to work by stimulating the nerves in the feet. The insoles are marketed predominately by a Prof Brian Rothbart - a podiatrist who had his practising license revoked in the USA for fraud and misrepresentation. He now works in europe and sells these insoles, which he claims cures all ills from infertility to dental pain and uses the internet to promote them. Rothbart is a conman and snake oil salesman par extraordinaire. Avoid at all cost.
Step 1: Find an affiliate program that pays you for promoting a product
Step 2: Build a blog with nice promotional articles/posts
Step 3: Put loads of your affiliate links and text links in the posts
Step 4: Go onto loads of relevant forums and make great supportive posts with a link in your signature to your blog (just google myflatfeet to see the forums you've posted on)
Step 5: For added profit add Google Adsense to the blog
Its called Forum Marketing is a an old affiliate marketing standard.
Yes, my blog is affiliated to the Morton's foot website. It's not like I have hidden that from anybody who reads it. IT IS WRITTEN IN THE BLOG. So it's not your big discovery. I put the Google adds in there less than a week ago to demonstrate a point... And don't believe for a second that I'm getting rich with this blog. Take a look at the Morton's foot website and try to see if searches produce it easily. I tell you: NO. So, a little advertising on my blog for something I (not you) believe in, based on MY experience is MY choice.
Now I see you also have Google adds on the forum page. Probably covers some of the hosting costs which is a good thing. But morally, is it acceptable to you that somebody who might be visiting your page and reading a post (and I do believe that people other than podiatrists read at least some of the threads) might be clicking on an add for a product that you may actually criticize somewhere in the thread, just because the adds are content-targeted? And they end up with a product that you actually despise...think about it. That's part of the point I was trying to make on the blog with Google adds.
Robert:
"However i must complement you Alex. You seem to know your subject very well for a lay person. Talking about articles in peer reviewed journals, using all the lingo, Hyperpronation and such like.
....
I should also thank you for writing such a beautifully worded testimonial. It's good enough to go on Brians website! It reflects almost exactly the claims and launguage of his site. Spooky."
HAHAHAHA!!!! This is really funny. Did you actually believed, if for a moment, that I am Brian Rothbart?
I may not be a podiatrist but that doesn't mean I never published anything scientific. Peer reviewed and otherwise.
Also, Robert, the boxer remark was a joke - not a good one I guess.
So why am I still interested in podiatry? Because, as you know, it is interesting. And why am I posting here? For the sake of the argument, not to annoy you and not to popularize my blog.
I just want to ask you something. Why is it that now, when I stand or walk barefoot I don't hyperpronate anymore. Does it have anything to do with the insoles I've been wearing for the past 5 months? Is it a bad thing?
You certainly have one thing in common with Rothbart - an uncanny knack of spounting bovine excrementum on a subjuct you patently have difficulty in comprehending. Alex, or whoever you are, why don't you upload a jpeg or wmv file of your "hyperpronated" feet without the rubber inlays and another demonstrating how these magical devices cure your problem. Look forward to seeing them
Do i think you're Brian Rothbart? You are a lay person with no grounding in biomechanics, no respect for the scientific process, and a level of knowledge of foot and lower limb function i would expect from a 1st year podiatry undergraduate who makes exaggerated claims of untested products in an apparently cynical attempt to aggrandise a company with the inherant morality of a puff adder. You claim that this product is proven by published studies when it is not and plug the company site at every oppertunity.
Yep. The resemblance is uncanny. Either Brian or one of his evil minions. I picture them as like the oompa lumpas in charlie and the chocolate factory but with horns and tails. And without the chocolate waterfall obviously.
On the off chance (and i consider it a very tiny chance) that you ARE a lay person who has been suckered into an overpriced placebo and are showing a strange desire to discuss your case with acedemics in a field you would need at least a degree or DPM to understand, what makes you think anyone would want to teach you biomechanics from scratch in order to discuss it with you? Come back when you understand what the hell you are talking about.
I can't believe that yet again we are Dignifying this BS with a discussion. Could we ask Brian to leave us off his spam list in future?
I'll probably regret asking but morgans meat pie paradigm?!
On attending a biomechanics course by a very large UK lab, Gary Morgan could not help but notice that whatever the pathology, the course tutors solution was a 4 degree/ 4 degree posted orthosis. On his way home our hero called in at the local fish 'N' chip shop and noted upon the menu a glut of meat pie items: meat pie and chips, meat pie and peas, meat pie and curry sauce, meat pie and fritters etc etc. He formulated his paradigm at this point: the 4 degree/ 4 degree post being analogous to the meat pie; everybody gets a meat pie, just with a different side order.
Given the list of pathologies which are claimed to be "successfully" treated by the Rothbart insole, I wondered if this is the new meat pie, maybe a vegetarian option?
Alex and the meaning of life
suddenly you'll discover an Irish accent you didn't know you had.
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