Frequently Asked Questions about Silicone Dynamic Orthotics

1- What's the difference between the SDO and traditional orthotics?

The SDO uses fluid silicone to guide the foot into its best position on the ground naturally. A traditional orthotic confines the foot to a pre-set position and tries to control the foot through the footstep.  The SDO is the only orthotic in the world that moves with the motion of the arch and cushions the end of the motion where the foot gets ready to move off. A traditional support stops the motion abruptly, which makes it impossible for most people to tolerate beyond the first 2-4 months.

2- How does the SDO work, and how can it provide arch support if it's so soft?

The SDO works on a 2500 year old principle of physics, "fluid moves to the area of least resistance and greatest need"--Archimedes. The foot has high and low pressure areas as it stands and walks on the ground (or in a shoe). The areas of high pressure simply push the fluid to areas of low pressure and equalize the distribution naturally ( you can see this here).

3- I have heel pain. My doctor calls it "plantar fasciitis". What is it and why do I have it.?

Heel pain is the #1 most common foot problem in the world. It comes from repetitive "overstretching" of the plantar fascia (a band of tough tissue like tendon) which is due to the arch collapsing too far to the ground (called overpronation) with each foot step. It has been accumulating over your lifetime, just like the wear and tear of a machine that is finally starting to break down.  For more information, look here.

4- What's the difference between the SDO and the gel-filled orthotics you can buy in the store?

The SDO is a prescription. This means it is more precise than one that fits anyone wearing the same size shoe.  It is this precision fit that makes this orthotic work for the poor alignment characteristics of your feet which create everything from foot pain to knee, hip and low back pain. The SDO is fitted from an impression mold which gives not only the size of of your foot but most importantly the position of your foot. It is easy to do at home and then send back.

5- How can you prescribe orthotics for me without seeing me or my feet?

Technology and experience. Capturing the optimal position of your feet to the ground is all I need to correct your poor alignment which is what is affecting your feet, knees, hips and low back.

6- What happens if the prescription isn't right?

By asking you to take a walk and answer some questions I can determine whether we need to adjust the fluid level up or down and we'll make you a new  prescription (adjustment) at no charge, we allow up to 3 adjustments within 90 days to get it right.
 

7- What if I'm not satisfied?

You have up to 6 months to return the orthotics for a full refund less the $20.00 S&H.

8- Is the SDO only for foot pain?

Definitely not.  It corrects the naturally poor alignment of all feet which, over time, affects, ankles, knees, hips and low back.

9- It sounds like you'd recommend the SDO for everybody.

Actually, that's true. Most people are in pain when they contact me. My issue is prevention. If I could make everyone wear the SDO from about the age of 10 years and up I could prevent a lot of common foot and lower extremity problems like knee, hip, and low back pain, that take a long time to show up over a lifetime.  SDOs are preventative, like brushing and flossing your teeth.  I would rather prevent the problem rather than neglect myself until I have pain and then go fix it.

10- I have bunions and hammertoes, can your SDOs make them go away?

No, what's there is there, but by wearing something to correct the alignment of your feet we can "slow down" the further growth.  Most bunions are not painful, but if yours are, then correcting the alignment first still makes sense as that may take away the pain by taking away the torque in the joints putting strain and pressure there. If you eventually decide to have surgery to realign the joint, you can even wear the SDO in your post operative shoe to prevent the deforming forces which created it in the first place.

11- I am a female attorney and wear dress shoes to court, will the SDOs fit?

The SDOs will fit in dress shoes up to 1.5" heel. Beyond that they will fit in flats, open back sandals (with some double-sided carpet tape), slippers, sport shoes and even in your socks. Back in your office you can transfer to a more comfortable shoe to get around there.

The SDOs will not fit in the following:

12- Can I use SDOs for basketball, rollerblading, or tennis?

No, the SDOs are for standing, walking and running.  For activities with side to side motion you need something a little more stable. I can send you a soft plastic orthotic which can be heat molded right in your shoe and you can transfer them for other lateral motion sports.

13- Do I need to wear my SDOs all the time?

Actually you should. You want to be aligned all the time. It's like having a switch in your car to turn the alignment of your wheels "off', when would it be appropriate to do so (hopefully you said "never"). You should even wear them around the house.

14- How fast will my pain go away.

This is the most difficult question to answer. There are so many factors like your age, duration of existing pain, your personal physical condition etc. Most people will experience a positive improvement in symptoms in as little as two weeks to four weeks. Most tell me they feel 30-60% improvement in that time. It is necessary to understand that foot orthotics do not work like eye orthotics (glasses), it's not an instantaneous fix. It took a lifetime to get there, it could take 1-2 years to generate the maximum benefit of the first prescription.

15- Does that mean I have to get a new pair of SDOs every so often?

About 75-85% of the people will go through changes in foot flexibility over the first two years. This means that the optimal position of your feet to the ground changes (for the better). It is recommended that you change that prescription to better hold your new position and further slow down a certain amount of wear and tear that you are still going through. You can then put your old prescription in your slippers or something you wear around the house so that you don't have to switch them. You can continue to gain flexibility over the next 3-8 years. By then you won't change any more. This is one of the advantages of the SDO over traditional supports, the fluid action allows the most changes in flexibility to occur, while a traditional support can only improve so much due to the fixed position of the orthotic.

16- I run marathons and presently have no pain (although I've had some problems in the past). Should I consider wearing an orthotic anyway?

Prevention is the issue, not pain. By correcting your alignment you make your entire musculo-skeletal system more efficient. You can train harder and longer with less risk of injuring yourself possibly getting faster and not worrying about planning peaking for an upcomming event. Many athletes peak and by that time often wind up injuring themselves before or shortly thereafter.

17- I'm a triathlete, can I wear SDOs in my cycling shoes?

While I don't recommend them for cycling, about 50% of my triathletes do. I prefer something a little more stable.

18- Are you an athlete, Dr. Kiper?

I've been athletic my whole life and competed in everything from 5K runs to swimming competition in school. At the age of 59, I still swim, cycle and practice karate. Because of my athletic background I'm familiar with the mechanics of sports and its individual motions.

19- Do you wear SDOs, Dr. Kiper?

Yes, everyday since 1989, when I started to work with them. I am my own best patient and practice what I preach.

20- Do you have an office, Dr. Kiper?

Not anymore, I have patients worldwide, all done through the mail.