New Orthotic Technology to Relieve Foot Pain & Lower Body Pain and Now to Help Diabetics

(PRWEB) June 30, 2006 -- Dr. Davies’ interest in biomechanics has led him to study how problems with the foot lead to knee, hip and back pain. Dr Davies believes that, “distinguishing the symptoms from the problem is the key to providing the proper diagnosis and remedy”. Most people are aware of, or have tried, over-the-counter orthotics or purchased insoles from franchised orthotic chain stores. They provide what are termed accommodative orthotics, designed to cushion the foot from structural abnormalities, thus relieving the pain. Though many patients spend a lot of money for these orthotics they do not always correct the problem. Why don’t over-the-counter orthotics always work?

Many times there is nothing wrong with the foot structure, it’s the biomechanics or motion of the foot that creates the problem. Any imbalances, even slight imbalances, of the muscles, ligaments and tendons that interconnect the 26 bones of the foot can result in abnormal foot motion. Abnormal foot motion causes foot pain. Furthermore, abnormal foot motion can cause excessive rotation of the lower leg and thus stress concentrations in the hip and knee cartilage. By diagnosing these slight imbalances of the foot and correcting them with customized foot orthotics; Dr. Davies believes that not only will the foot, knee and hip pain be relieved but the devastating effects of osteoarthritis may be prevented.”

To provide a correct diagnosis, Dr. Davies has developed a unique foot biomechanics analysis system that he calls the CAFF System ™ (Computer Analysis of Foot Function). This system consists of a state-of-the-art foot pressure measurement technique in which paper-thin pressure sensors allow the measurement of foot pressures in the shoe as the patient walks or runs on a treadmill. The system instantly detects, displays, and records foot pressures and forces without interfering with normal gait walking pattern of the patient. In addition, the patient’s gait is captured on a video camera while walking or running on the treadmill. The video is then digitally analyzed with a computerized system that allows for frame-by-frame analysis of the patient’s gait. This sophisticated biomechanical analysis of foot function allows Dr Davies to construct orthotics that will treat patients with foot pain, knee pain, hip pain and lower back pain. This newly developed technology is a far cry from the devices that patients stand on in other orthotic outlets that sends a color picture of the foot pressures to a computer. Those systems enable orthotic cushions to relieve pain in the high pressure areas only. In fact these outlets are prohibited from providing an orthotic that alters the biomechanics of the foot without a prescription from a licensed physician

South Dennis, MA (PRWEB) June 30, 2006
The CAFF System has athletes and sport buffs improving their performance and minimizing injury. But even more importantly the feet of diabetics often exhibit a loss of sensation and a poor blood supply which increases their risk of developing non-healing foot ulcers. Dr. Davies says, “We can identify the areas of the diabetic foot that are at risk for developing an ulcer. We can then construct an insole to protect that area. The non-healing ulcers, if left untreated, could ultimately lead to amputation. Our insoles protect the diabetic foot from injury and tremendously reduce the risk of diabetics developing non-healing ulcers. These insoles are often covered by Medicare and can often be provided at no cost to the patient".

People experiencing foot knee, hip or back pain, especially when they exercise, or diabetics on Medicare can make an appointment to learn what is causing their problems and how Dr. Davies can help. St. Luke’s Health Alliance, Inc 900 Route 134 South Dennis, 508-385-0890 or Visit the website. Or call and make plans for attending the FREE Thursday Morning Open House Session demonstrating the CAFF System or to schedule appointments for CAFF testing.

Dr. Jeffrey Davies is a board certified family physician with a Master’s degree in biomedical engineering. Dr Davies, was a Research Engineer at Massachusetts General Hospital - Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory, where he helped pioneer the design, development and implementation of prosthetic implants. He has taught post-graduate courses for orthopedic surgeons on the latest developments in total hip arthroplasty at Harvard Medical School.

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