Abstract: A load assistance device in which the soldier moves the device, not vice versa, includes a load receptor for receiving load from the mass; a boot clamp for transmitting the load to the user's boot; and a linkage connected between the load receptor and the boot clamp, the linkage having an actuated condition in which the linkage transmits load downward from the load receptor into the boot clamp and having an unactuated condition in which the linkage does not transmit load downward from the load receptor into the boot clamp. At least one sensor senses the user's stride. A computer is responsive to the sensor for controlling movement of the linkage between the actuated and unactuated conditions. The linkage is moved into the actuated condition upon sensing of the commencement of the stance phase of the user's stride and is moved into the unactuated condition in response to sensing of the heel lift phase of the user's stride.

Abstract: A method for facilitating performance of ocular exercises includes providing an ocular exercise eyewear comprising one or more focusing elements, the one or more focusing elements positioned on the ocular exercise eyewear to guide a wearer's vision to a location at or near a perimeter of the wearer's field of vision. Instructions are provided directing the wearer's vision to the one or more focusing elements to perform an ocular range of motion exercise. An ocular exercise apparatus and a method of making the ocular exercise apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical chest compression device is secured to a gurney, transport stretcher or ambulance cot while engaging a patient's thorax to provide mechanical CPR during transport. The mechanical chest compression device compresses the patient's thorax against the gurney deck. The mechanical chest compression device may engage the side rails on the gurney, the gurney deck or any suitable structural elements of the gurney.

Abstract: A device includes a first vibrational transducer and a second vibrational transducer. The first vibrational transducer has a first vibrating property. The second vibrotactile stimulator has a second vibrating property different than the first vibrating property. A collar may be configured to position the first vibrational transducer and the second vibrational transducer over a neck of a subject. A method for stimulating swallowing in a subject includes applying a first vibrotactile stimulation and applying a second vibrotactile stimulation to a throat area of the subject. The first vibrotactile stimulation has a first vibrating property and the second vibrotactile stimulation has a second vibrating property different than the first vibrating property. Example vibrating properties include vibrating frequency, vibrating frequency range, wave shape, continuousness, frequency phase, and direction of mechanical force.

Abstract: A wearable device for vibration and/or percussion treatment, such as a covering configured to be worn by a person, such as patient, around the chest of the person, a plurality of actuators provided at the covering, and a control system in communication with the actuators and configured to provide independent and sequential operation of the actuators to generate progressive constriction and relaxation for providing movement of material in a person's lungs in the direction of the sequential operation of the actuators.

Abstract: A system and method of treating hyperactivity of an eyelid closing muscle in a subject includes providing a stimulation system in the subject with the hyperactivity of the eyelid closing muscle, sensing an activity of the eyelid closing muscle, and selectively stimulating eyelid opening muscle(s) or innervating nerves, eyelid opening reflexes, or eyelid opening reflexes in non-muscular tissue, using the stimulation system, without substantially activating the eyelid closing muscle. The system and method evokes eyelid movement in the subject.

Abstract: An apparatus for musculoskeletal stimulation allows independent electronic control of vibration parameters and overall biasing force so that an optimum combination of these parameters may be obtained regardless of the user's weight and without the need for adjustment of mechanical weights or springs.

Abstract: A compression therapy apparatus for applying therapeutic compression to a limb includes a bandage having a trunk, a first end, a second end, and a compression line between the first end and the second end. The apparatus also includes a plurality of compression control members disposed on the trunk along the compression line. Each compression control member defines a compression zone and is adapted to independently control a therapeutic compression associated with the compression zone. The plurality of compression control members are configured to provide a substantially continuous compression profile along the compression line.

Abstract: A compression therapy apparatus and a method for manufacturing and applying compression with the same may include a bandage and a tension indicator coupled to the bandage. A tension indicator may include a film having layers of liquid crystal droplets deposited on a polymer matrix. The tension indicator can b adapted to color shift under tension between the first end and the second end of the bandage.

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus, which treats fatigue of the whole body, is provided. A plurality of speakers/sensors which apply an oscillating pressure to a subject are provided. An airtight chamber and a vacuum pump unit, which change the subject into the state of a negative pressure from the atmospheric pressure, are provided. A control unit adjusts distribution of the oscillating pressure by the output of each speaker/sensor is provided. Further, the control unit adjusts each speaker/sensor, in order that the oscillating pressure of a same extent is applied to a plurality of parts of the body, simultaneously. Thereby, the whole body of the subject can recover from fatigue.

Abstract: A foot massager includes a plurality of roller massagers, two rotational massagers, a power source, a forward-and-backward-movable device, a first transmission device, and a second transmission device. The power source rotates clockwise and drives the first transmission device and the second transmission device, such that the first transmission device drives a one-way bearing to perform idle rotation and drives the roller massagers to perform rolling massage, whereas the second transmission device drives the two rotational massagers to perform rotational massage. The power source rotates anticlockwise and drives the first transmission device and the second transmission device, such that the first transmission device drives the one-way bearing to drive the foot massaging base to move forward and backward in its entirety and drives the roller massagers to perform rolling massage, whereas the second transmission device drives the two rotational massagers to perform rotational massage.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of radiant energy, blast, or concussive events includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during or before the incidence of the imparting event. Reducing blood outflow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial volume and/or pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood outflow further increases the intracranial pressure and volume, and thereby increases the pressure and volume of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column.

Abstract: A massage earphone includes a main body, a clamp assembly and a connecting element connecting the main body to the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly includes a first clamping plate, a second clamping plate and a shaft connecting the first clamping plate to the second clamping plate. The first clamping plate includes a first massage portion, and the second clamping plate includes a second massage portion. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate pivot around the shaft to clamp an auricle of a user's ear between the first massage portion and the second massage portion.

Abstract: A massage device is provided having a pouch formed from a flexible material, a pair of resilient bodies received within the pouch, the pair of resilient bodies being made from rubber having a moisture content and at least two straps coupled to opposite ends of the pouch, the at least two straps having a predetermined length. The flexible material may include an elastic fabric, such as nylon or cotton. The pair of resilient bodies may include at least one of a same size, a same shape, and a same texture. Furthermore, the pair of resilient bodies may be made from various rubber materials having a Young's modulus of between 0.1 and 10 ksi. The pair of resilient bodies may include air pockets having moisture that is heated by microwave energy. Alternatively, the pair of resilient bodies may include a battery operated heating element and a vibration device.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method of treatment for joint pain and other discomfort utilizing a brush applied to the skin of the patient. The brush is used to stimulate the skin in the area of pain or discomfort, thereby conditioning the nerves in the area to be less responsive to the aforementioned pain or discomfort.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air massage device for a bed. The air massage device includes at least one air wave generator disposed on the bed. The air wave generator includes a shell, a permanent magnet disposed in the shell, a coil electromagnet movably disposed in the shell and a membrane attached to the coil electromagnet. When the coil electromagnet is powered by an alternating current, the coil electromagnet moves reciprocatingly relative to the permanent magnet along with the membrane so that the membrane generates an air wave which is adapted to massage people on the bed.

Abstract: A portable micro air pump includes a body, an air output port and a quick-disconnect air tube connector. The body is hand-sized, and has a user control and information panel with a power on/off button switch and a button switch for choosing which type of therapy garment is to be utilized, limb or foot. Status lights within the information panel show on/off and battery status, the therapy garment selected and alarm states of which the user needs to be aware. Within the body are an air compressor with an air output tube, a battery power source, and an electronic circuit board. The electronic circuit board has functional subunits including: a controller, a timer, a memory, an input/output interface, a pressure sensor, a status light driver and a power control driver.

Abstract: An insertable anti-occlude strip includes a strip made of a material that is flexible, sturdy, durable and compression resistant. The strip has a cross-sectional shape such that when the strip is inserted into a hollow, flexible tube, there are open longitudinal apertures formed between the strip and the inner wall of the tube, allowing bi-directional flow of air or fluids through the tube. The insertable and tubal anti-occlude strip, when inserted into a hollow and flexible tube, provides resistance to occlusion of the tube lumen when the tube is under compressive or shear forces, which would otherwise significantly reduce or halt flow of air or fluids through the tube.

Abstract: A micro bleed hole connector for use in intermittent pneumatic compression devices includes a body made of a material that is sturdy, durable and compression resistant, The bleed hole connector resembles industry-standard air tube connectors, and has a micro bleed hose connecting its hollow lumen to the outside, ambient air. In use, the connector is inserted between the air input tube of an intermittent pneumatic compression device and an air supply tube, which is connected to an air pump. The air pump inflates and deflates the intermittent pneumatic compression device, which is placed on a patient's limb. In the event deflation of the compression device is retarded by air pump failure or air supply tube occlusion, the micro bleed hole dissipates air sufficiently to prevent injury to the patient's limb. Air dissipation through the bleed hole during normal operation is minimal and does not impact therapeutic application.

Abstract: A non-woven garment for deep vein thrombosis prevention includes a body having a central panel, a left side panel, and a right side panel formed with a number of attachment straps having an integral fastener and a cover. A single air chamber receiving air from a pump through a flexible air supply tube is formed on the central penal when the body and the cover are welded through an RF welding method. The body and the cover are made of the same dielectric material for their inner layers to be welded and another same material for the outer layers which can be placed against a patient's skin. The one-step RF welding method eliminates the need for tricot lining and binding and less material is used in manufacturing. Thus, the present invention significantly reduces the manufacturing steps, time, cost, and use of material in manufacturing.

Abstract: An external counterpulsation apparatus has an efficient cuff and bladder system. Embodiments of this system generally allow effective treatment at lower pressures and a reduced total body surface area being compressed. An accurate and reliable combination of automatic and preset timing for inflation and deflation of the bladder system is used to simplify use of the apparatus. Depressurization of the cuffs may occur in a staggered fashion.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for promoting perfusion at a tissue site containing a sprain by applying a vacuum to intact skin extending over or surrounding the tissue site. The system and apparatus comprise a manifold formed from a porous material and configured to be disposed proximate the intact skin for distributing vacuum to the intact skin, and a sleeve adapted to cover the manifold and form a chamber containing the manifold to seal the manifold within the chamber between the sleeve and the intact skin. The system and apparatus further comprise a fluid coupling member adapted to deliver vacuum to the manifold for distribution to the intact skin. A method for applying vacuum to the intact skin of a tissue site is also disclosed and described herein.

Abstract: A deep vein thrombosis prevention garment includes a central panel formed to have three (3) sequentially filled air chambers separated from each other with a pressure resistive valve, a left side panel, and a right side panel formed with a number of attachment straps having an integral fastener. The first air chamber receives air from a pump. When the air within the first air chamber reaches a predetermined air pressure, the pressure resistive valve between the first air chamber and the second air chamber allows air to pass from the first air chamber to a second air chamber. When the air within the second air chamber reaches a predetermined air pressure, the pressure resistive valve between the second air chamber and the third air chamber allows air to pass from the second chamber to the third air chamber. A membrane panel allows air to escape the sequentially filled air chambers.

Abstract: A compact mini air pump includes a rectangular, box-shaped body having a standard AC power cord extending from it, two air supply output ports, and a control and information panel with user-operated buttons and status lights located on its front side. Within the hollow interior of the body is an air compressor, a dual-output electromechanical valve having to two air output tubes, an air pressure sensor, a DC battery power supply, an AC power connection, and an electronic circuit board controlling the mini air pump's function. The air supply output ports, an extension of the air tubes within the body, supply air to Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (“IPC”) Therapy device garments through flexible air supply tubes. The mini air pump device is sized to be held by one hand for portability.

Abstract: A digital display air pump includes a rectangular, box-shaped body having a standard AC power cord extending from it, two air supply output ports, and a control and information panel located on its front side with user-operated buttons, a digital display for showing air pressure and alarm codes, a variable air pressure set dial, and status lights. Within the hollow interior of the body is an air compressor, a dual-output electromechanical valve having to two air output tubes, an air pressure sensor, an AC power connection, an internal loudspeaker, and an electronic circuit board controlling the digital display air pump's function. The air supply output ports, an extension of the air tubes within the body, supply air to Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (“IPC”) Therapy device garments through flexible air supply tubes.

Abstract: A deep vein thrombosis prevention garment having an integrated air bladder includes a body having a central panel, a left side panel, and a right side panel formed with a number of attachment straps having an integral fastener, such as Velcro brand hook and loop fasteners. The central panel is formed to have a single air chamber receiving air from a pump through a flexible air supply tube. The central panel, left side panel and right side panel are formed from a single material which does not require a skin-safe liner or other combination of materials. A single-chamber bladder is attached to the central panel. A cover panel covers the single-chamber bladder and is attached along its perimeter to the central panel. The cover panel and the body are made from the same material which can be placed against a patient's skin.

Abstract: An adhesive single chamber deep vein thrombosis prevention garment includes a body having a central panel, a left side panel, and a right side panel formed with attachment straps having hook and loop integral fasteners. The central panel is formed to have a single air chamber which receives air from a pump through a flexible air supply tube. The inside of the single air chamber is coated with a tacky adhesive layer providing distal-to-proximal sequential inflation as air is progressively introduced into the chamber, thereby creating a distal-to-proximal pressure gradient on a patient's limb. The central, left side and right side panels are formed from a single material which does not require a skin-safe liner or other combination of materials. A cover panel attached to the central panel to cover the single-chamber bladder and the body is made from the same material which can be placed against a patient's skin.

Abstract: A deep vein thrombosis prevention garment includes a central panel formed with sequentially filled inner, intermediate and outer air chambers separated from each other with pressure resistive valves, a left side panel, and a right side panel formed with a number of attachment straps having an integral fastener. The inner air chamber receives air from a pump. When the air within the inner air chamber reaches a predetermined air pressure, the pressure resistive valve between the inner air chamber and the intermediate air chamber allows air to pass from the inner air chamber to an intermediate air chamber. When the air within the intermediate air chamber reaches a predetermined air pressure, the pressure resistive valve between the intermediate air chamber and the outer air chamber allows air to pass from the intermediate chamber to the outer air chamber. A membrane panel allows air to escape the sequentially filled air chambers.

Abstract: A deep vein thrombosis prevention garment includes a body having a central panel, a left side panel, and a right side panel formed with a number of attachment straps having an integral fastener, such as Velcro® brand hook and loop fasteners. The central panel is formed with a single air chamber containing a single expandable air bladder receiving air from a pump through a flexible air supply tube. The central panel, left side panel and right side panel are formed from a single material which does not require a skin-safe liner or other combination of materials. The single chamber with nested expandable bladder is attached to the central panel. A cover panel covers the chamber having an expandable bladder, and is attached along its perimeter to the central panel. The cover panel and the body are made from the same material which can be placed against a patient's skin.

Abstract: A deep vein thrombosis prevention garment includes three (3) chambered polymer having an integral welded filling tube forming three (3) sequentially filled air chambers. The aft chambers receive air from an integrated fill tube attached to pump. When the air within the first air chamber reaches a predetermined air pressure, air begins to pass into a second air chamber at a higher rate, and similarly, when the air within the second air chamber reaches a predetermined air pressure, air passes into the third air chamber at another higher rate to reach the predetermined air pressure. The different internal diameters of the integrated fill tube outlets for each air chamber provide different air flow rates, resulting in staged inflation of air chambers. A membrane panel allows air to escape the sequentially filled air chambers.

Abstract: A brace includes a closed loop feedback system that provides electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to a joint of a human patient in response to feedback from the joint and surrounding muscles. In one aspect, a brace for treating a human joint of a patient is provided. The brace includes one or more sensors in physical contact with the skin of the patient and configured to obtain a galvanic reading of resistance of the skin. The brace also includes brace control electronics in communication with the sensor(s) to form a closed loop system via a combination of bracing the joint and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). The brace control electronics is configured to receive the galvanic reading of the resistance of the skin of the patient and is further configured to instruct the sensor to apply a current/voltage/power onto the skin based on the galvanic reading.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including a good comprising a sensor in contact with human tissues of a patient and configured to obtain a power dissipation reading of the human tissues. The good also includes a storage medium for tangibly storing thereon a program for execution by a processor. The system also includes a control unit in communication with the good to form an electrical muscular stimulation (EMS) system that uses feedback in a closed loop manner to self tune electrical properties of the output. The control unit is configured to instruct the sensor to (a) apply a sense pulse to the human tissues, (b) measure power dissipation of the sense pulse, (c) adjust a stimulation pulse based on the measured power dissipation, (d) apply the stimulation pulse to the human tissues based on the power dissipation and based on the program in order to maintain constant power output across each pulse, and (e) repeat steps (a)-(d).

Abstract: A strapping system for retaining a rigid support member of an orthopedic brace in a desired utilitarian position on a body of a wearer is provided which includes a strap having a first strap end, a second strap end and an intermediate strap point between the strap ends. The strap is operatively configured to follow a strap path having a first connection point, a second connection point and a third connection point sequentially positioned on the support member. The first strap end is attached to the first connection point and the strap extends from the first connection point around the body of the wearer to the second connection point where the intermediate strap point is attached thereto. The strap is redirected at the second connection point in an opposing direction and extends back around the body of the wearer to the third connection point where the second strap end is attached thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic sleeve (1) for placing against a body, having a flexible basic body (10) with at least one plastics-material stabilizing element (20) arranged thereon, wherein the stabilizing element (20) has regions (21, 22, 31, 32) which have a cross section reduced in relation to the rest of the cross section and in which the stabilizing element (20) is adhesively bonded to the basic body (10) and/or connected integrally to the basic body (10). The invention also relates to a method for producing such a sleeve.

Abstract: A base for an orthopedic walking boot having a foot bed configured to support a plantar portion of a user's foot, a section extending from the foot bed configured to surround a portion of user's foot, and a connector assembly matable with each of a plurality of different types of support structures such that any one of the plurality of different types of support structures is selectively and permanently connectable to the base through the at least one connector assembly.

Abstract: A support for an area of a body that includes a hinge joint includes a flexible, elastically stretchable framework comprising an integrally molded network of interconnected, elastomeric segments defining a plurality of permanent openings; a structural hinge mechanism affixed to a first side of the framework, and a secondary hinge mechanism affixed to a second side of the framework. The structural hinge mechanism is larger than the secondary hinge mechanism so as to bias the application of pressure towards one side of the hinge joint when the support is secured to the area of the body. The elastomeric segments of the framework are designed in such a way as to asymmetrically assert pressure on the hinge joint when the support is secured to the area of the body. The structural hinge mechanism and the framework work together to bias application of pressure generally in the same direction.

Abstract: An orthotic system and method for a knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO) or ankle foot orthosis (AFO) capable of removing up to 100% of the weight-bearing forces at the knee and tibia and/or ankle and heel. The KAFO and AFO of the present invention utilize a fully adjustable compound closure system and compression liner to circumferentially compress the soft tissue of the thigh or calf to reduce loading forces on the leg at all points distal to the distal border of the compression liner. The degree of reduction in weight-bearing is adjusted by applying the orthosis with the heel of the individual raised above the foot platform, tightening the compound closure system, allowing the tissue to drop down within the compression liner, assessing the position of the heel above the foot platform, and adjusting the compound closure system to maintain the desired degree of elevation of the heel above the foot platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an impedance modulation device for an orthotic application. The device includes a high-stiffness loading spring, a low-stiffness return spring, a shaft having an output connector, and an engagement mechanism. When the engagement mechanism engages the shaft, the device exhibits a high stiffness at the output connector, and wherein when the engagement mechanism disengages the shaft, the device exhibits a low stiffness at the output connector.

Abstract: An orthosis is provided having a mechanical advantage tensioning device with an anti-twist mechanism. The anti-twist mechanism includes first and second anti-twist members which have a reduced degree of pliability to resist twisting of the orthosis about the mechanical advantage tensioning device.

Abstract: A harness assembly for suspending a user. The assembly includes a support. The support includes a back plate having a shape corresponding to a user's back for supporting the user's back in a predetermined configuration. A torso connector is fastened to the support for engaging the user's torso and releasably fastening the support to the user's torso adjacent the user's back. A leg loop is connected to the support. The leg loop is sized for surrounding the user's leg to fasten the support to the user's leg. The assembly includes a suspender that is extendable outward from the support for suspending the user fastened to the support.

Abstract: An orthopedic pad for wearing about the lumbar region of a user and comprising a smoothly contoured body having a template surface bounded by an upper margin and a lower margin. The orthopedic pad includes a central trough portion extending between said upper and lower margins for accommodating the spinal processes of a wearer when the orthopedic pad is pressed against the lumbar region. The orthopedic pad includes two raised plateau regions flanking the central trough portion for contacting the erector spinae muscles of the wearer to provide support therefor. The central trough and the plateau form a smoothly curving surface approximating the lordotic curve of a wearer to assist maintaining spinal posture.

Abstract: A back support device is provided herein. The device is configured to support a portion of a burden or load that would otherwise be borne by a user's spinal column and abdomen. The device includes an upper component that is dimensioned to be worn around the torso of the user, and a lower component that is dimensioned to be worn around the user's hips and waistline. The device further comprises a plurality of medial elements. Each medial element is operatively connected to the upper and lower compartments so that each medial element may support a portion of the burden, thereby transferring the burden from the upper component to the lower component. The medial elements provide support and simultaneous freedom of movement by providing a lifting distraction support upon the spinal column and abdomen.

Abstract: A finger splint and method of providing support for a finger is disclosed. The finger splint can include a braided mesh folded over itself to form a hollow tube having a double wall and having a longitudinal axis. The folded over braided mesh can have a first open end that is flared. The braided mesh, before being folded over, is compressible and after being compressed and released, springs back to its original shape. In accordance with the method of providing support to a finger, a finger is inserted into an open end of a compressible tabular braided mesh splint that has been folded over to form a cylindrical two-walled splint and the splint is pulled onto the finger.

Abstract: An orthopedic walking boot including a base to support a user's foot; a support assembly extending from the base to support the user's lower leg; and an outer sole overmolded to the base.

Abstract: A hip brace is provided having a waist belt, waist cuff, longitudinal support assembly and hip joint extension limiting strap. The waist belt is secured around the waist of a wearer and the waist cuff and longitudinal support assembly are positioned on the side of the body adjacent to the affected hip joint. The waist cuff is attached to the waist belt above the hip joint and the longitudinal support assembly extends from the waist cuff past the hip joint along the length of the thigh and is hinged in correspondence with the hip joint. The extension limiting strap extends posteriorly from a lateral anchor position on the waist cuff to a posterior anchor position on the waist belt and prevents undesirable migration of the waist cuff during hip joint extension.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods of knee rehabilitation. Embodiments generally include the use of viscosupplementation delivered intra-articularly in conjunction with rehabilitative therapy and an unloading knee brace. The injection of the viscosupplementation is guided such that the entire dose is delivered to the joint and can flow tricompartmentally.

Abstract: Knee brace devices and systems and methods of using the same. In an exemplary embodiment of a knee brace system of the present disclosure, the system comprises a knee brace configured to fit around at least part of a user's knee, and a strap having an optional strap connection portion coupled thereto, the strap configured to couple to the knee brace or a component coupled thereto and further configured to wrap around the user's shoulder so that the knee brace is maintained around at least part of the user's knee.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a custom or pre-fabricated ankle foot orthosis providing tri-planar control of the ankle foot structure. The ankle foot orthosis comprises a brace body comprising a polyolefin elastomeric material, foam material and a closure mechanism.

Abstract: An ankle support includes a flexible, elastically stretchable framework configured to generally surround a wearer's ankle when the support is worn, and an anchor band configured to be secured about a lower portion of a wearer's leg. The framework comprises an integrally molded network of interconnected, elastomeric segments defining a plurality of permanent openings. The framework includes an upper securement portion configured to be adjustably secured to the anchor band via the fastening mechanism of the anchor band. The ankle support is configured to allow a wearer of the ankle support to adjustably tension the ankle support by adjusting an extent of the securement portion of the framework passing through a fastening mechanism of the anchor band.

Abstract: An inventive ankle-foot orthosis which transfers a portion of a wearer's weight normally applied to a wearer's foot and ankle to a wearer's calf thereby removing weight bearing stress from the wearer's foot and ankle.