<<< back to main page

Patient Testimonials

<<< back to main page

Patient Testimonials

April 19, 2017

Matt was told he would never run again….but about a week after he had worn your brace, he said, “Hey, Mist, watch this….” And he took off RUNNING!! He said he never enjoyed running before his accident but when he was told he’d never be able to anyway, all of a sudden, all he wanted to do was RUN!! (I said it was just to prove to himself that he could, which he did!) Your brace ALLOWED his dream of running to HAPPEN!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, as it truly, like I said, has changed Matt’s life! His quality of life has significantly improved and as for the “hitch in his giddy-up”…. it is GONE, thanks to the Dynamic Assist Richie Brace!!!

I hope you are doing GREAT, Dr. Richie!! Thanks again!!

M. N.

May 26, 2016

I am writing this testimonial regarding Dr. RICHIE's excellent patented ankle brace. It has made all the difference in my injured foot. It keeps the separating bones in my foot well aligned. One of the very best features besides allowing my foot to heal is how thin it is as it is a complete unit with the orthotic. It fits in all my shoes with no need to buy larger sizes. That is a wonderful feature that anyone who has had someone make a clumsy, ungainly boot can well appreciate. It has allowed me to hike and participate in sports as well. A big hurrah to Dr. Richie for his thoughtful invention.

Sincerely,

V. M.

Spring, 2013

Patient completes 500 mile hike wearing the Richie Dynamic Assist Brace

Last summer, Dr. Richie's patient, K.M., completed the 500 mile segment of the Camino Frances route of the Camino Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage. This walk takes four weeks to complete and is an accomplished task for only the most hearty and healthy individuals. For Mr. K.M. who suffered a severe nerve injury in his lower leg in a mountain biking accident 4 years ago, completing this hike would have been impossible. He had a paralytic dropfoot deformity which caused him to drag his foot while walking. In Spring, 2013, Mr. K.M. was referred to Dr. Richie who fitted the patient with the Richie Dynamic Assist Brace, which Dr. Richie had designed. The brace immediately transformed Mr. K.M. back to a normal ambulating patient without any weakness or deformity. He set out to complete a long time goal of walking the Camino Francés which stretches 780 km. (nearly 500 miles) from St. Jean-Pied-du-Port near Biarritz in France to Santiago.

K. M.

Oct 6, 2014

Between 1996 and 2004, I had both hips and both knees replaced. To aid in my recovering, after my last knee was replaced, I began working with a personal trainer. She quickly observed that my left ankle was considerably pronated and recommended that I make an appointment with Dr. Richie who confirmed that I was in need of ORTHOTICS.

An X-ray confirmed that I had developing arthritis in my left ankle and these orthotics gave me proper balance and prevented any developing pain.

However, in April of 2010, I had a heart valve replacement (at the age of 88) and to recover properly from that, it was recommended that I go to CARDIAC REHAB THREE MORNINGS A WEEK. THE ATTENDANT IMMEDIATELY put me on a treadmill. . . . and after a few weeks, the pounding from the walking began to take its' toll and my ankle started to swell. . . like I had a mini inner tube around my ankle and once again, I had to start using a cane for balance and to minimize the pain. . . . I soon switched to using their recumbent bike (so I could exercise from a sitting position).

When I had my regular annual visit with Dr. Richie and complained to him about my painful problem (he chastised me for not coming to him sooner) he said he thought he had something that JUST MIGHT relieve the pain and reduce the swelling. First, I needed to get proper compression hose (great invention) and then, making no promises, he fitted MY LEFT ANKLE with his RICHIE BRACE!

Incredible! It worked and within days, the swelling went down and I now walk with no pain and great balance with minimum need for my cane.

I am a walking testimonial for the RICHIE BRACE. Whoever thought it would relieve arthritis pain. . . . without pills.

P.S. One other recommendation he made. . . . to work with an physical therapist and by accident, I found. . . SUSAN MAIS REQUERJO... who it turns out has consulted with Dr. Richie over the years. Working with her (two days a week) has enhanced the value of wearing his RICHIE BRACE.

Sincerely,

F.M.

January 2, 2014

I am so glad that I made the decision to schedule a consultation with you regarding my case of Posterior Tibial Tendonitis. I have lived with this condition since late 2008. I have to say that when I was first diagnosed with this condition I was told to rest and wear my OTC supports at all times in my tennis shoes and even wear them in the house when walking around. The episode lasted a few weeks and I thought "I'm Ok." I had another flare a year later that lasted almost 2 months. It was very painful but I could still manage to get around inside as long as I was resting my feet quite a bit. The flare ups became more frequent and the duration of pain and immobility longer each time.

In 2013 one day while walking my dog I felt this terrible pain in my right foot. I could hardly walk. I sort of limped home. I had to hire a dog walker for 2 months and pretty much stayed off my feet for that amount of time. I had orthotics made for my shoes and wore the soft braces too but still was having so much pain in both feet if I tried to be on my feet or doing anything like grocery shopping or laundry.

I decided that I better try to find a specialist that had experience with the condition of Posterior Tibial Tendonitis and came highly recommended then arrange for a consultation. Dr. Richie and the Richie brace came up in my google search so I decided to make an appointment for consultation.

I cannot express how thankful I am for finding Dr. Richie and having had the Richie brace (orthotic) custom made for both feet. The results are so beyond what I imagined possible! I can do what I need to do and want to do and basically do it pain free!!!! It is really so incredible to go from a position where mobility is nearly totally impaired due to pain and dysfunction to being mobile and pain free thanks to the braces and orthotics!

I have to wear the Richie braces at least for 6 months though quite honestly should I need to do so for longer I can say without hesitation that would be no problem because I am so grateful for ability to walk without pain and for thus far at least 7 hours/day wearing the combo brace/orthotics) am working my way up to 8 plus hours!

Thank you Dr. Richie for really being able to diagnose and treat the condition my feet are in and for such a wonderful product that actually helps so much to alleviate pain and do what Is necessary to help my severely pronated feet and the injury bilaterally to the posterior tibial tendons. I look forward to continued progress with regard to my condition and also to being mobile every day without pain! Thanks~ infinity!

Sincerely,

M.A.

July 3, 2011

Dr. Richie,

I felt compelled to write you and let you know how much I appreciate what the Richie brace has done for me. I am a big guy (over 250 lbs.) and recently celebrated my 50th birthday. I still love to play softball and golf and anything else that keeps me active. But with my age and weight, both golf and softball became quite a challenge. You see I suffer from Adult Acquired Flatfoot and my foot pain started to get quite unbearable. I had standard orthotics which certainly help, but my body weight pressing down on my feet for long periods of time started to make an 18 hole round or a 9 inning game virtually impossible.

I got the Richie brace about a month ago and I can tell you that my endurance of time on my feet has almost doubled. The brace seems to take most of the downward pressure off the sole of my foot and transfer it magically away. The brace puts my foot and ankle in a level position thus saving my knees and hips from resultant pain.

The added benefit is that my foot seems to be much more stable when in action. Being more stable when shifting my weight from back to front in either a baseball or golf swing means hitting the ball with more precision. It has actually improved my golf game. So not only is the pain in my feet gone, but my scores are improving as well.

Thanks for giving me the ability to continue to play the games that I love.

M. W.

Seal Beach, CA

October 16, 2010

To Whom It May Concern

Dr. Richie and the Richie Brace® saved my ability to walk with comfort. I had a talus fracture, which is the bone above the heel bone, and this ruined my joint underneath the talus bone. I had a great deal of pain and disability doing my routines and had to more or less stop my active athletics except for swimming. I had tried a variety of braces and seen many surgeons for possible corrective surgery and was left with the possibility of pinning my heel bone to the talus bone to improve the pain. Unfortunately, this operation has a significant complication rate and some people do very poorly with it. I continued to look and found Dr. Richie.

Dr. Richie made me a brace that allowed me to use my injured foot in a way that didn't put pressure on the joint that was injured. The Richie Brace® was modified to make it a little stiffer and I have been progressively improving over the five months that I've had the brace. I use it with a low-topped hiking shoe, a medium hiking shoe, and my ability to walk seems almost normal now.

Dr. Richie, I really appreciate your invention and look forward to being your patient for years to come.

Sincerely yours,

Robert Yoho, M. D. Pasadena, CA

February 10, 2011

I first began experiencing pain in my right foot in 2003 at the age of 55. After treatment by another podiatrist, I failed to improve with custom foot orthotics. I was referred by a friend to Dr. Richie. During my first visit to Dr Richie he diagnosed my problem as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. He customized a Richie Brace to fit my foot. I wore the brace faithfully for five months. After that time period Dr. Richie fitted me with custom orthotics. I truly believe that the use of the Richie Brace spared me from painful surgery and restored my ability to participate in the activities that I enjoy.

I am happy to report that eight years following my initial treatment with the Richie Brace I continue to lead a very active and pain free life. I am able to play tennis three or four times and week. I also walk three or four miles a day.

M.M. (age 63)

December 7, 2010

Dear Dr. Richie,

On the fifth day (today) I have worn "New Richie Brace" for 8 hours. I had quite a bit of walking to do and my foot feels absolutely wonderful. No numbness in my toe, no pain in my mid-foot, no aching ankle, no pain in the opposing knee, not a single tylenol needed to get through that day. And I have noticed that my gait is more nearly normal - some lengthening of my stride. Better balance. I'm relaxed enough that I no longer need to limp and hold my body and leg straight and stiff to control the impact and pain of my foot hitting the floor - wonder of wonders - even swinging my hips when I walk for the first time in at least 3 years. I did not know that I could still do that!

My husband says I need to write all this to you instead of marveling about it to him - He says my walking would no longer stand out in a group of people.

You have done me an immense favor, my friend. I am ready for the coliseum & Trans-Siberian Orchestra tomorrow night & cooking Christmas dinner for 20 and whatever the Holidays bring.

Thanks,

B.

October 10, 2010

Hi Doug,

I wanted to share with you that I believe that my Posterior Tibial Tendon has healed. It was early December 2009 when I was fitted with the Richie Brace®. There has been continuous moderate amounts of pain throughout the months which I treated with rest and 800mg Motrin.

The breakthrough came several weeks ago, when I used a stiffer more rigid shoe, AKA a low topped steel toe type of work boot, happened to find them in the closet, size 16, had bought for S. (you remember his feet), anyway, have had no pain for several weeks, so switched back to my Rockports.

It's amazing, but pain is completely gone. The medial malleolus had been very tender, where that tendon goes through those grooves, now with extreme thumb pressure in that area complete absence of pain. Fantastic. Arch still flattens out more than the other foot, but it is what it is.

Anyhoo, just thought I would report in. I will get over to see you soon. My company is making changes to their Health Care Insurance due to Obamacare rate increases so they are making it more affordable to go with Kaiser.

See you soon.

D.P.

April 19, 2017

Matt was told he would never run again….but about a week after he had worn your brace, he said, “Hey, Mist, watch this….” And he took off RUNNING!! He said he never enjoyed running before his accident but when he was told he’d never be able to anyway, all of a sudden, all he wanted to do was RUN!! (I said it was just to prove to himself that he could, which he did!) Your brace ALLOWED his dream of running to HAPPEN!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, as it truly, like I said, has changed Matt’s life! His quality of life has significantly improved and as for the “hitch in his giddy-up”…. it is GONE, thanks to the Dynamic Assist Richie Brace!!!

I hope you are doing GREAT, Dr. Richie!! Thanks again!!

M. N.

May 26, 2016

I am writing this testimonial regarding Dr. RICHIE's excellent patented ankle brace. It has made all the difference in my injured foot. It keeps the separating bones in my foot well aligned. One of the very best features besides allowing my foot to heal is how thin it is as it is a complete unit with the orthotic. It fits in all my shoes with no need to buy larger sizes. That is a wonderful feature that anyone who has had someone make a clumsy, ungainly boot can well appreciate. It has allowed me to hike and participate in sports as well. A big hurrah to Dr. Richie for his thoughtful invention.

Sincerely,

V. M.

Spring, 2013

Patient completes 500 mile hike wearing the Richie Dynamic Assist Brace

Last summer, Dr. Richie's patient, K.M., completed the 500 mile segment of the Camino Frances route of the Camino Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage. This walk takes four weeks to complete and is an accomplished task for only the most hearty and healthy individuals. For Mr. K.M. who suffered a severe nerve injury in his lower leg in a mountain biking accident 4 years ago, completing this hike would have been impossible. He had a paralytic dropfoot deformity which caused him to drag his foot while walking. In Spring, 2013, Mr. K.M. was referred to Dr. Richie who fitted the patient with the Richie Dynamic Assist Brace, which Dr. Richie had designed. The brace immediately transformed Mr. K.M. back to a normal ambulating patient without any weakness or deformity. He set out to complete a long time goal of walking the Camino Francés which stretches 780 km. (nearly 500 miles) from St. Jean-Pied-du-Port near Biarritz in France to Santiago.

K. M.

Oct 6, 2014

Between 1996 and 2004, I had both hips and both knees replaced. To aid in my recovering, after my last knee was replaced, I began working with a personal trainer. She quickly observed that my left ankle was considerably pronated and recommended that I make an appointment with Dr. Richie who confirmed that I was in need of ORTHOTICS.

An X-ray confirmed that I had developing arthritis in my left ankle and these orthotics gave me proper balance and prevented any developing pain.

However, in April of 2010, I had a heart valve replacement (at the age of 88) and to recover properly from that, it was recommended that I go to CARDIAC REHAB THREE MORNINGS A WEEK. THE ATTENDANT IMMEDIATELY put me on a treadmill. . . . and after a few weeks, the pounding from the walking began to take its' toll and my ankle started to swell. . . like I had a mini inner tube around my ankle and once again, I had to start using a cane for balance and to minimize the pain. . . . I soon switched to using their recumbent bike (so I could exercise from a sitting position).

When I had my regular annual visit with Dr. Richie and complained to him about my painful problem (he chastised me for not coming to him sooner) he said he thought he had something that JUST MIGHT relieve the pain and reduce the swelling. First, I needed to get proper compression hose (great invention) and then, making no promises, he fitted MY LEFT ANKLE with his RICHIE BRACE!

Incredible! It worked and within days, the swelling went down and I now walk with no pain and great balance with minimum need for my cane.

I am a walking testimonial for the RICHIE BRACE. Whoever thought it would relieve arthritis pain. . . . without pills.

P.S. One other recommendation he made. . . . to work with an physical therapist and by accident, I found. . . SUSAN MAIS REQUERJO... who it turns out has consulted with Dr. Richie over the years. Working with her (two days a week) has enhanced the value of wearing his RICHIE BRACE.

Sincerely,

F.M.

January 2, 2014

I am so glad that I made the decision to schedule a consultation with you regarding my case of Posterior Tibial Tendonitis. I have lived with this condition since late 2008. I have to say that when I was first diagnosed with this condition I was told to rest and wear my OTC supports at all times in my tennis shoes and even wear them in the house when walking around. The episode lasted a few weeks and I thought "I'm Ok." I had another flare a year later that lasted almost 2 months. It was very painful but I could still manage to get around inside as long as I was resting my feet quite a bit. The flare ups became more frequent and the duration of pain and immobility longer each time.

In 2013 one day while walking my dog I felt this terrible pain in my right foot. I could hardly walk. I sort of limped home. I had to hire a dog walker for 2 months and pretty much stayed off my feet for that amount of time. I had orthotics made for my shoes and wore the soft braces too but still was having so much pain in both feet if I tried to be on my feet or doing anything like grocery shopping or laundry.

I decided that I better try to find a specialist that had experience with the condition of Posterior Tibial Tendonitis and came highly recommended then arrange for a consultation. Dr. Richie and the Richie brace came up in my google search so I decided to make an appointment for consultation.

I cannot express how thankful I am for finding Dr. Richie and having had the Richie brace (orthotic) custom made for both feet. The results are so beyond what I imagined possible! I can do what I need to do and want to do and basically do it pain free!!!! It is really so incredible to go from a position where mobility is nearly totally impaired due to pain and dysfunction to being mobile and pain free thanks to the braces and orthotics!

I have to wear the Richie braces at least for 6 months though quite honestly should I need to do so for longer I can say without hesitation that would be no problem because I am so grateful for ability to walk without pain and for thus far at least 7 hours/day wearing the combo brace/orthotics) am working my way up to 8 plus hours!

Thank you Dr. Richie for really being able to diagnose and treat the condition my feet are in and for such a wonderful product that actually helps so much to alleviate pain and do what Is necessary to help my severely pronated feet and the injury bilaterally to the posterior tibial tendons. I look forward to continued progress with regard to my condition and also to being mobile every day without pain! Thanks~ infinity!

Sincerely,

M.A.

July 3, 2011

Dr. Richie,

I felt compelled to write you and let you know how much I appreciate what the Richie brace has done for me. I am a big guy (over 250 lbs.) and recently celebrated my 50th birthday. I still love to play softball and golf and anything else that keeps me active. But with my age and weight, both golf and softball became quite a challenge. You see I suffer from Adult Acquired Flatfoot and my foot pain started to get quite unbearable. I had standard orthotics which certainly help, but my body weight pressing down on my feet for long periods of time started to make an 18 hole round or a 9 inning game virtually impossible.

I got the Richie brace about a month ago and I can tell you that my endurance of time on my feet has almost doubled. The brace seems to take most of the downward pressure off the sole of my foot and transfer it magically away. The brace puts my foot and ankle in a level position thus saving my knees and hips from resultant pain.

The added benefit is that my foot seems to be much more stable when in action. Being more stable when shifting my weight from back to front in either a baseball or golf swing means hitting the ball with more precision. It has actually improved my golf game. So not only is the pain in my feet gone, but my scores are improving as well.

Thanks for giving me the ability to continue to play the games that I love.

M. W.

Seal Beach, CA

October 16, 2010

To Whom It May Concern

Dr. Richie and the Richie Brace® saved my ability to walk with comfort. I had a talus fracture, which is the bone above the heel bone, and this ruined my joint underneath the talus bone. I had a great deal of pain and disability doing my routines and had to more or less stop my active athletics except for swimming. I had tried a variety of braces and seen many surgeons for possible corrective surgery and was left with the possibility of pinning my heel bone to the talus bone to improve the pain. Unfortunately, this operation has a significant complication rate and some people do very poorly with it. I continued to look and found Dr. Richie.

Dr. Richie made me a brace that allowed me to use my injured foot in a way that didn't put pressure on the joint that was injured. The Richie Brace® was modified to make it a little stiffer and I have been progressively improving over the five months that I've had the brace. I use it with a low-topped hiking shoe, a medium hiking shoe, and my ability to walk seems almost normal now.

Dr. Richie, I really appreciate your invention and look forward to being your patient for years to come.

Sincerely yours,

Robert Yoho, M. D. Pasadena, CA

February 10, 2011

I first began experiencing pain in my right foot in 2003 at the age of 55. After treatment by another podiatrist, I failed to improve with custom foot orthotics. I was referred by a friend to Dr. Richie. During my first visit to Dr Richie he diagnosed my problem as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. He customized a Richie Brace to fit my foot. I wore the brace faithfully for five months. After that time period Dr. Richie fitted me with custom orthotics. I truly believe that the use of the Richie Brace spared me from painful surgery and restored my ability to participate in the activities that I enjoy.

I am happy to report that eight years following my initial treatment with the Richie Brace I continue to lead a very active and pain free life. I am able to play tennis three or four times and week. I also walk three or four miles a day.

M.M. (age 63)

December 7, 2010

Dear Dr. Richie,

On the fifth day (today) I have worn "New Richie Brace" for 8 hours. I had quite a bit of walking to do and my foot feels absolutely wonderful. No numbness in my toe, no pain in my mid-foot, no aching ankle, no pain in the opposing knee, not a single tylenol needed to get through that day. And I have noticed that my gait is more nearly normal - some lengthening of my stride. Better balance. I'm relaxed enough that I no longer need to limp and hold my body and leg straight and stiff to control the impact and pain of my foot hitting the floor - wonder of wonders - even swinging my hips when I walk for the first time in at least 3 years. I did not know that I could still do that!

My husband says I need to write all this to you instead of marveling about it to him - He says my walking would no longer stand out in a group of people.

You have done me an immense favor, my friend. I am ready for the coliseum & Trans-Siberian Orchestra tomorrow night & cooking Christmas dinner for 20 and whatever the Holidays bring.

Thanks,

B.

October 10, 2010

Hi Doug,

I wanted to share with you that I believe that my Posterior Tibial Tendon has healed. It was early December 2009 when I was fitted with the Richie Brace®. There has been continuous moderate amounts of pain throughout the months which I treated with rest and 800mg Motrin.

The breakthrough came several weeks ago, when I used a stiffer more rigid shoe, AKA a low topped steel toe type of work boot, happened to find them in the closet, size 16, had bought for S. (you remember his feet), anyway, have had no pain for several weeks, so switched back to my Rockports.

It's amazing, but pain is completely gone. The medial malleolus had been very tender, where that tendon goes through those grooves, now with extreme thumb pressure in that area complete absence of pain. Fantastic. Arch still flattens out more than the other foot, but it is what it is.

Anyhoo, just thought I would report in. I will get over to see you soon. My company is making changes to their Health Care Insurance due to Obamacare rate increases so they are making it more affordable to go with Kaiser.

See you soon.

D.P.