The Flexible Flatfoot can be Successfully Treated using Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
The flexible flatfoot produces some of the most severe musculoskeletal pain of all the foot structures I see in my practice. The reason the flexible flatfoot has such a devastating impact on the overall musculoskeletal health of the individual is due to the extreme inward foot twist (pronation) that results from this foot structure (See Photo below - Flexible Flatfoot).
Flexible flatfoot - the feet are twisted inward
(pronated)
We know from a clinical point of view, that the more severe the foot twist, the more severe the postural distortion; and the more severe the postural distortion, the more severe the musculoskeletal pain.
The aim of any corrective therapy which treats the flexible flatfoot is to reduce or eliminate the pain by reducing the foot twist. This is typically done by supporting the foot with orthotics (arch supports). However, orthotics weaken the muscles in the feet (See Flexible Flatfeet are Weakened by Arch Supports). The result is that when the orthotics are not worn, not only does the flexible flatfoot become flatter due to the weakened muscles, but also, the foot twist increases and with it, the postural distortions and pain.
Until recently, there has been no corrective therapy available that actually decreases the foot twist and resulting pain, when the orthotics are not worn. I have introduced an innovative approach which does just that, when dealing with the flexible flatfoot resulting from the PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity (See What exactly is a Flatfoot? Are there different types?).
Using an insole that incorporates a tactile stimulation underneath the feet, signals are sent from the feet to the cerebellum (brain). Acting on this information, the brain automatically improves the position (posture) of the body. This postural shift, at the same time, also diminishes the foot twist.
But, just as important, after a period of insole use the postural corrections are maintained, even though the insoles are worn less and less. (This is referred to as engramming.) The result is that the patient does not have pain (even when the insoles are not being worn).
To learn how the flexible flatfoot should not be treated, go to: The PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity (the flexible flatfoot) should never be treated using a proprioceptive insole designed to treat the Rothbarts Foot.
Reference
Rothbart BA 2009. What exactly is a Flatfoot? Are there different types? Podiatry Review, Vol 66(6):4-6.
Professor/Dr. Brian A. Rothbart
Chronic Pain Elimination Specialist
Discovered the Rothbarts Foot and PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity
Developer of Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Designer of Rothbart Proprioceptive Insoles
Founder of International Academy of Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Author of Forever Free From Chronic Pain
Sign Up Now to get a free chapter from my book, Forever Free From Chronic Pain
Posted by rothbart at 9/16/2009 6:16 PM 
Categories: Rothbarts Foot PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity, Rothartsfoot PreClinical Clubfoot Flatfoot
Tags: Flatfoot Foot Twist Flexible Flatfeet Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Categories: Rothbarts Foot PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity, Rothartsfoot PreClinical Clubfoot Flatfoot
Tags: Flatfoot Foot Twist Flexible Flatfeet Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Please help...I seem to have this problem...how and where do I get this help?
Reply to this
Dear John,
I understand your concern. If you would like more information, visit my patient website at www.RothbartSite.com. Or, if y ou prefer, you can set up a phone consultation with me by going to the Schedule an Intial Consultation page.
with regards,
Professor Rothbart
Reply to this