Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus for encouraging compliance with a prescribed orthotic treatment, including an orthotic device applied to a limb of a user, a strap coupled to the orthotic device, the strap having two ends and configured to wrap around the orthotic device at an attachment area, where a length along the strap is smaller than a maximum circumference of the limb distal to the attachment area, and a locking mechanism to lock the strap onto itself. Other embodiments of the present invention include a system for off-weighting a user's foot, including a hardenable cast; a rigid outer boot having a footbed, a first side strut with a first strap aperture, a second side strut with a second strap aperture, and a strap extending through the first strap aperture and the second strap aperture and operable to tighten around the hardenable cast.

Abstract: A support structure for use with an external fixator assembly including, but not limited to, a fixator assembly for the ankle area of the body which may further include an ankle stabilization portion. The support structure is similar in function but distinguishable in structure from a “halo-ring” and comprises a base having a substantially annular configuration and being operatively disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a leg area which corresponds to the stabilized ankle area. An extension assembly includes at least one but preferably a plurality of two elongated extension members extending outwardly from the base and in spaced relation to and substantially aligned with the ankle stabilization portion. The base and the two extension members are structured for connection to a plurality of struts which may be variably and selectively disposed in interconnecting relation to the ankle stabilization area and/or other portions of the external fixator assembly.

Abstract: A device for treatment of plantar fasciitis and/or Achilles tendonitis comprises (a) a calf strap removably engagable to the calf of a leg, (b) a foot assembly removably engagable to the foot of the leg such that when the device is worn the assembly can be positioned proximate to the ball of the foot intermediate to the midfoot and forefoot areas of the foot to secure it to the foot, and (c) a substantially inelastic tension member connectable between the calf strap and the foot assembly in a tensioned manner such that when the device is worn the plantarflexion of the ankle is limited such that the plantar surface of the foot is held in a neutral to slight dorsiflection.

Abstract: A joint hinge and a leg brace having the joint hinge that includes a spring loaded spherical joint for coupling a proximal portion and a distal portion of the joint hinge. The spherical joint includes a dome on one portion coupled to a mating cup on the other portion. A wide-headed pin, typically a shoulder screw, captivates the cup against the sphere. A spring washer may be included to provide a preloading force to mate the cup to the dome. The spherical portion may be pressed or stamped into one portion of the hinge or fabricated separately and attached. In one embodiment, the dome is fabricated of sintered bearing material and may be impregnated with lubricant. The spherical joint functions in conjunction with an adjustable flexion range limiting system that include rods that are threaded and easy to screw in and out as the patient's range of motion changes.

Abstract: In ankle brace apparatus, the combination comprising a foot and ankle holder having a lower foot portion, and having an upper ankle portion with opposite first and second sides, said upper ankle portion including: a guide loop having opposite sections, a first orthopedic strap anchored to one section for passing about a user's ankle or lower leg, and then passage through the loop to extend in a first tightening direction, a second orthopedic strap anchored to another said section to extend in a second and opposite tightening direction, relative to said ankle or lower leg, whereby the two straps extending in said first and second directions can be manually pulled in said directions to tighten the first strap about said ankle or lower leg, and the two tensioned straps then connected by push together connection to tightened extents of the first strap to hold tension transmission via said loop sections and straps; and support strap structure operatively connected to said holder to extend under said foot portion a

Abstract: An ankle protector (10) comprises an elastic webbing element (11), formed with a tubular construction thereby to surround and embrace a user's ankle region. The webbing element (11) is defined by upper and lower apertures (12, 13) to enable a user's foot (21) to pass therethrough when putting the ankle protector (10) on. Each of said upper and lower apertures (12, 13) is formed by overlock-stitching (22) an edge of the elastic webbing (11) material, such that said apertures (12, 13) have no perceptible ribs. A cushioning element (17) is attached to the webbing element (11) and is adapted to cover and protect a user's Achilles tendon. The cushioning element (17) protrudes inwardly relative to the circumference of the tubular webbing element (11).

Abstract: An ankle foot orthotic foot brace device includes a primary elongated resistance member attached to and extending from a base disposable under a user's foot. The primary resistance member includes means for attachment to the user's leg, and is deflectable through a deflection range and resilient or elastic to provide an initial resistant force to pivoting of the user's foot with respect to user's leg. A secondary elongated resistance member is engagable by the primary resistance member within a subsequent or distal portion of the deflection range of the primary resistance member. Also included is means for intercoupling the secondary resistance member to the primary resistance member during the subsequent portion of the deflection range of the primary resistance member.

Abstract: Nearly normal mobility and quality of life, during the treatment of severe surface wounds are supported by the addition of a unique combination of common medical treatment materials with a locally applied body cast. Features of the structure and corresponding kit include off loading and physical protection of the treatment area, evenly applied pressure to maintain a hydrostatically stable environment to promote healing, easy access to the treatment area without removal of most of the structure in addition to the use of readily available inexpensive and space conserving materials for sensitivity to medical cost control and treatment for patients in the developing world, battlefield and other hostile environments.

Abstract: A compact and easy-to-use walking assisting device capable of reducing constrained feeling given to a user and allowing a free swing of the arms of the user in walking. The walking assisting device comprises one or more leg links to which ground contact members are connected at their lower ends respectively and a load transfer portion connected to the upper ends of the leg links, in which at least a part of the weight of the user is supported by the leg links via the load transfer portion, wherein the load transfer portion includes a seat member for the user to sit astride, wherein connecting portions with the upper ends of the leg links connected thereto are attached to the undersurface of the seat member, and wherein the connecting portions have a degree of freedom allowing the forward/backward and lateral swings of the leg links.

Abstract: The ankle brace includes a calf body defining lateral and medial frontal sides spaced by a frontal opening, and first and second straps depending from the first and second frontal sides of the calf body, respectively. The first and second straps are arranged to extend juxtaposed across the opening and secure to the second and first frontal sides, respectively. The brace also includes opposed lateral and medial ankle struts pivotally attached to the calf body, and a footplate connected to the ankle struts. The medial ankle strut has greater rigidity than the lateral ankle strut. The calf body medial section has greater rigidity than the calf body lateral section.

Abstract: An orthopedic device as in a dorsal splint for treating plantar fasciitis includes a substantially rigid splint member having an overmolded flexible edge and living hinges, or substantially rigid component pieces received in a flexible member, to provide improved and more comfortable fitting to a user and reduced storage requirements. The substantially rigid splint member is shaped and configured to the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. Straps are provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position.

Abstract: A custom-made ankle/foot orthosis for the treatment of patients having plantar ulcers and foot deformities is disclosed, which comprises a rigid L-shaped support member and a rigid anterior support shell hingedly articulated to the L-shaped support member. The plantar portion of the L-shaped member further comprises at least one ulcer-protecting hollow spatially located for fitted placement in inferior adjacency to a user's plantar ulcer, thus allowing the user to transfer the user's weight away from the plantar ulcer and facilitating plantar ulcer treatment. The anterior support shell is designed for lateral hinged attachment to the L-shaped member to take advantage of medial tibial flare structure for enhancing the weight-bearing properties of the disclosed orthosis. Leg securement structure attaches the anterior support shell to the L-shaped member in fixed, weight-bearing relation about the proximal, anterior portion of the user's lower leg.

Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis that provides a patient with forward flexing, energy loading, and balance control. The orthosis may also be adjustable for size and fit. The orthosis couples opposing stabilization forces that help to provide optimal balance control.

Abstract: A lockable hinge for use in orthopedic braces is provided. When used in a knee brace, the present hinge provides a knee-immobilizing brace that assists persons with standing and/or walking. The hinge is easily converted from a locked mode to a free range of motion mode and vice versa. When the hinge is in the locked mode, patients are better able to stand and walk. With the push of a button, the patient can bend his or her knee to sit or lie down more comfortably. When the hinge is in the free range of motion mode, patients are better able to participate in physical therapy activities without the hinge locking.

Abstract: An ankle brace is made to be very comfortable and easy to use while still providing sufficient support.

Abstract: The invention relates to impulse therapy and particularly to a device for applying impulse pressure intermittently to a human foot to enhance blood circulation around the body. In the prior art impulse pressure is applied by means of an inflatable bladder applied to the foot. To be effective the bladder has to be filled rapidly and this produces unacceptable noise during operation. The bladder in accordance with invention is provided with internal means acting to dissipate fluid flow with accompanying reduction in fluid flow rates and consequent noise levels during the pressurization process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ankle orthosis comprising a U-shaped support stirrup made of a flexible material, the sides of which stirrup converge beneath the foot in a web projecting as a tab toward the metatarsus, extend past the bones, and are held together at their end regions by a fastening strap wrapping around the leg. The tab has a convexity, which presses against the cuboid bone of the foot due to a preloading of the tab.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for protecting ligaments in a knee joint of a user. The device includes a knee brace positionable about a knee joint of a user and a boot wearable on a foot of a user. Additionally, the device includes a flexible tether member including a first coupling element coupled to the knee brace and a second coupling element coupled to the boot. The boot and knee brace are attachable and detachable via the first and second coupling elements. The flexible tether member is adjustable in length to dispose the flexible tether member in tension at least in a portion of a maximum foot range of rotation, where the maximum foot range of rotation of the user's foot relative to the knee joint causes hyperextension of a knee ligament.

Abstract: An orthosis having at least one adjustable joint for articulating two hinged parts of the orthosis, the joint comprises a tensor for carrying the load applied between the two hinged parts. Compression surfaces coupled to the hinged parts are constructed to apply compression forces to a compression element when the angle between the two parts widens. Preferably the compression element comprises a block of resilient material. The joint allows adjustability of the unloaded angle between the hinged parts by varying the dimensions of the block, while selecting blocks having different compressional characteristics such as modulus of elasticity allows varying the degree of resistance to widening the angle between the two hinged parts. The joint is particularly advantageous in constructing an articulating leg brace.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing dorsiflexion assistance in an orthotic device having ankle and foot sections joined by a hinge connection. The orthotic device may be, for example, an ankle foot orthotic or a night splint. The apparatus includes an elastic member, such as an elastomeric strap, having a first end that is attached to an upper portion of the ankle section of the orthotic device, and a cable that connects a second end of the elastic member to the foot section of the device at a position that is spaced anteriorly from the hinge connection, so that tension supplied by the elastic member creates dorsiflexion torque about the hinge connection. A tension adjuster is provided to allow the amount of torque to be adjusted to meet individual needs. An optional cable guard protects the cable from interference, and can also be used as a cable stop that effectively increases dorsiflexion force to compensate for loss of tension due to shortening of the elastic member upon dorsiflexion.

Abstract: An articulated, adjustable, and lockable alignment arm, and associated extensions and accessories, which are user manipulable to model the size and shape of the fractured limb of a patient in the field. The alignment arm includes a first elongated arm segment, a second elongated arm segment, and connector means for interconnecting the first segment to the second segment through respective pivotal receivers having normal axes of rotation. The alignment arm is adjusted for proper orientation by setting it over the injury, and then locking the arm into a selected orientation which models the patient's limb around the area of the injury. Next, first and second arm extenders and protective end pads are used to expand the effective size of the alignment arm to form a custom splint structure. Lastly, the splint structure is secured to the patient's injured limb through the use of flexible cravats.

Abstract: A surgical protective tool positioning apparatus includes a base, and two symmetric connecting bases disposed on the base, each having a containing groove formed by enclosing a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall. The second sidewall has a latch hole for interconnecting a containing space above the containing groove and the base for inserting a support stand downwardly into the containing groove. Each support stand has a latch lump latched to and protruded from the latch hole, such that each support stand is protected completely by the first sidewall, second sidewall, third sidewall and fourth sidewall of each connecting base to provide a better structural strength for connecting the support stand and the connecting base, and achieve the advantages of better durability and safety to the protective tool.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for limb off-weighting, including a sleeve operable to wrap at least partially around a leg, a support strut coupled to the sleeve to receive weight applied to the sleeve, and a foot assembly configured to support and protect the bottom of a foot, wherein the foot assembly is coupled to the support strut and operable to receive weight applied to the sleeve and transfer the weight to underlying surfaces, thus off-weighting and reducing pressure and shearing forces on the foot and ankle. According to some embodiments, foot assembly pivots around the support strut providing an assembled mode and a storage mode. According to other embodiments, sleeve is an open-ended conical shape. According to various other embodiments, the support strut may be tilted to accommodate legs and/or calves of varying sizes, and the foot assembly may adjust to feet of varying sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a splint for a joint connecting two parts of a human body or of an animal, such as the ankle, knee or elbow for example, comprising at least one rigid shell (1,2), globally concave, for positioning around the joint in order to support said joint. The splint comprises, on the internal face thereof, in other words the concave face, a chamber (3,4) made from a flexible plastic material which may be placed under pressure by any suitable means, and positioned on the internal face of the shell (1,2) to provide a supportive cushion between said shell (1, 2) and the joint and covering at least a part of the internal face of the shell (1,2).

Abstract: A curved guide mechanism includes a guide unit having an arcuate guide track, and a movable body movably engaged with the guide track via a plurality of engagement elements. The guide track is constituted by a guide groove formed in the guide unit. The movable body is provided with at least three engagement elements including inner engagement elements movably engaged with an inner peripheral rail portion formed on the inner peripheral side of the guide groove, and an outer engagement element movably engaged with an outer peripheral rail portion formed on the outer peripheral side of the guide groove. The engagement elements are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction of the guide groove.

Abstract: A device and method is provided wherein a non-extendable strap is attached to the interior of an athletic, or other type of shoe, commencing on the instep side, extending below the user's foot, and ankle, which has been previously fitted with a commercial brace or wrap or taped, which is inserted within the shoe, and the strap is attached within the shoe again on the outstep upper side. The strap element is drawn tight about the user's ankle when the shoe is laced, strapped, or otherwise secured about the user's foot. The strap element extends above the user's ankle, and is pulled taut and affixed to the brace, or wrap, or separately taped, at a position on the outside of the user's lower leg. The device and method of attachment allows the shoe and brace or wrap to act together, as an integrated system, to limit active ankle inversion.

Abstract: A foot orthosis for un-weighting of a user's heel while promoting a dorsalflexion range of motion includes a leg unit for attachment to a user's leg and a foot unit for supporting a user's foot. A sole plate is configured with a toe extension inclined downward to a first support contact position arch portion extending from the first support contact position to a second support contact pad for support that starts forward of a proximity of a location for a user's calcaneus bone and terminates beneath the calcaneus bone. The foot orthosis enables a gait cycle of movement by the user starting at a heel strike at the second support contact pad and terminating at a toe-off of the toe extension. The sole plate can be attached directly to a support shell to provide a lamination resulting from molding the sole plate to the support shell.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing movement of an ankle comprises in one embodiment a flexible body member for receiving a foot and a stiffening unit secured to selected portions of the body member such that the stiffening unit minimizes movement of upper portions of the body member with respect to lower portions of the body member, without obstructing forward and rearward movement of the upper portions of the body member with respect to the lower portions of the body member.

Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve and at least one strap for fastening the sleeve around the ankle. The sleeve assembly positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve under a human foot. The arch cell is fabricated from a flexible material and is in communication with a conduit member. Upon application of external pressure to the arch cell, air is expelled from said air cell through said conduit member. The sleeve assembly also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve against the Achilles tendon. The tendon cell is in communication with the arch cell via the conduit member. The tendon cell is also fabricated from a flexible material. Upon the expelling of air from said arch cell, the air enters through the conduit member into the tendon cell which exerts a greater pressure against the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: A quick-release mechanism for disconnecting the footwear and footplate of an orthoses from a rotation bar, 90-degree bar, or other component of an orthosis is disclosed. The mechanism allows the footwear to be fitted to a patient with the bar or other component disengaged, while also allowing the angle between the bar or other component and the footplate to be locked when the orthosis is in place in order to treat conditions such as clubfoot.

Abstract: A joint therapy system and method is shown for proving thermal therapy and joint stability in dual modes of operation. In some embodiments, a treatment system is shown utilizing an orthopedic support for supporting a joint region and having one or more of temperature control capabilities, compression capabilities, and bracing capabilities that may, for example, be used to reduce recover time, limit edema, and protect joints from improper movement while healing from orthopedic surgeries.

Abstract: The present invention is a rehabilitation walking boot, which includes a foot support and two leg supports. The foot support includes a top surface, a bottom surface and two lateral edges. The two lateral edges are configured with slots for insertion and fixation by the inserts of the two leg supports. The leg support insert is configured with a flexible positioning locker protruded on one side, and one side of the slots of the foot support lateral edges is configured with a locking part. The side walls of the slots are configured with perforated fixing holes. The rehabilitation walking boot can be dismantled more conveniently, and the leg support can use either combined type or fixed type linkages to the foot support.

Abstract: A novel ankle gapping device includes a lower leg engaging apparatus, a foot engaging apparatus, and a biasing member disposed between the lower leg engaging apparatus and the foot engaging apparatus. The leg engaging apparatus is adapted to securely engage a user's leg such that the leg engaging apparatus will remain stationary when the biasing member exerts an upward force thereon. The foot engaging apparatus is contoured to fit the user's foot. In a particular embodiment, the biasing member is a pneumatic biasing member, such as an inflatable tube that is actuated by a pump. As the pump provides compressed air (or some other fluid) to the biasing member, the pressure inside the biasing member increases, causing an increase in the volume of the biasing member. This pressure and volume increase exerts an upward force via the leg engaging apparatus to the lower leg, and a downward force via the foot engaging apparatus to the foot.

Abstract: The invention is a stirrup-type ankle brace that is designed to effectively perform two functions when applied to either a right extremity or a left extremity: 1) dispersal of swelling associated with an ankle sprain, and 2) restraint of excessive joint displacement that would otherwise impose stress on the ankle ligaments. The unique characteristic of the invention is its adaptability to differing anatomical contours on the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) aspects of the right and left extremities, which is achieved through multiple pivoting connections between semi-rigid brace components and adjustable-tension straps, along with symmetrical relationships between all brace components. Thus, the positioning of the moveable and adjustable brace components can be altered to produce either one of two mirror-imaged configurations.

Abstract: A foot and ankle protective apparatus provides support and protection with simultaneous pliability. The apparatus is especially helpful to those who have recently had a cast removed and still require protection of the applicable area while allowing for walking. The apparatus comprises a thick, durable sole. Pliable leg, ankle and foot support is provided. The foot cover shell covers a stadium plate shaped cushion with a convex outer for fit to the identical shape of the shell. The concave inner of the cushion provides for comfortable fit to the top of the foot. The ankle opening between the foot surrounds and the leg surround overlaps allows for limited dorsi flexion and plantar flexion of the ankle, while still providing ankle support both laterally and against extreme flexion. The apparatus is especially useful in lieu of total immobilization.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes a rigid support member and a removable inner liner having a contact surface adjacent the support member formed of a non-skid or non-slip material. The liner may include a flap or pocket for receiving at least a portion of the support member, at least at first strap having a first end attached to a first region of the liner and a second end fastenable to a second region of the liner for securing the orthotic device to the wearer, and a patient interface surface.

Abstract: A biomechanical custom made foot orthosis (10) and a method for making the same. The orthosis (10) has a thermoformed flexible top layer (12) made of a first moldable synthetic rubber material, and a thermoformed flexible reinforcement core layer (14) made of a. moldable core material that is molded onto the top layer, (12). The core layer (14) has a posterior end (16) aligned with a mid anterior plantar prominence (K) of a calcaneus bone (C), and an anterior end (18) aligned near metatarsal-phalangeal joints (J) of the foot. The orthosis (10) also has a thermoformed flexible bottom layer (20) made of a second moldable synthetic rubber material that is molded onto the top layer (12) and the core layer (14). The core layer (14) is more rigid than the top and bottom layers (12, 20). The orthosis (10) corrects anatomic biomechanical deficiencies of the foot and ensuing body deficiencies.

Abstract: An orthopedic device in the form of a circumferential walker includes a first member (posterior shell) and a second member (dorsal shell) corresponding to the first member. An outsole or plantar shell portion is attached to, or formed on or with the posterior shell. An expansion joint is positioned in the posterior shell or dorsal shell to expand to accommodate larger sized lower legs. The dorsal and posterior shells may include flexible or resilient edge portions to reduce pressure points and to further accommodate users having larger sized lower legs. The dorsal shell also includes a flexible or resilient connecting portion to accommodate users having larger ankles and feet and to reduce or eliminate the formation of a pressure point along the dorsal shell. Quick-connecting buckle assemblies can be provided to allow a user to quickly don and doff the orthopedic device.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has at least one flexible or rigid frame member contoured to generally correspond to an anatomical limb. The device also includes a tightening system having a dial tensioning device and at least one cable and/or strap connected to the dial tensioning device. The dial tensioning device has a rotary ratchet permitting incremental adjustment of the cable and/or strap. Adjustment of the dial tensioner in a first direction secures the frame member to the limb.

Abstract: A corrective device to be worn on a human foot having a misalignment and positioned inside of footwear. The device having an inner shell having a first material composition and flexibility, and shaped to accommodate receiving therein and supportingly couple with the foot, and an outer shell having a second material composition and flexibility, the second material composition and flexibility being substantially the same as the first flexibility, the outer shell shaped to accommodate receiving therein the inner shell, supportingly couple with the inner shell and allow positioning into the footwear. At least a sufficient portion of a pressure is distributed by the outer shell and the inner shell over a desired area of the foot to provide an amount of correction to the misalignment while allowing the human to wear the inner shell inside of the outer shell inside of the footwear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of high-rigidity light-weight rehabilitation walking. The boots include a foot support, two leg supports and two strengthening pieces. The foot support is made of plastics, having a bottom surface and two lateral edges. The two lateral edges are configured with slots, and there is a contact surface on top of the slots. The leg supports are made of plastics, having a stretch support, an insert and a restriction edge between the stretch support and the insert. The restriction edge can push against the contact surface on top of the slot. The strengthening pieces are buried inside the leg supports with its upper part within the range of the stretch support and its lower part within the range of the insert to strengthen the leg support structure and increase capacity of the rehabilitation walking boots to withstand side force.

Abstract: An ankle brace provides a variety of features that contribute to comfort, stability, and support. One embodiment provides thin, elongated gripping surfaces on the bottom of the brace, to reduce the opportunity for the brace to slip relative to the wearer's shoe. One embodiment provides substantially horizontal strap-receiving slots in the forefoot area, which; pull the foot down, toward the bottom of the brace, not relying on the shoe to hold the foot down against the brace.

Abstract: The Toe Lift Strap is a foot support system primarily for stroke victims that do not have muscular control of their foot. This loss of muscular control allows the foot to turn under and they cannot raise their toe. It comprises of a strap that is attached to the user just below the knee. This strap has a small loop to which a 6? wide therapeutic rubber band is attached. The other end of the 6? wide therapeutic rubber band is attached to the lower lace area or lower strap of a shoe worn by the user. It provides for support of the toe and rotation of the foot so that the user can walk with the foot in a normal position for walking.

Abstract: Active suctioning is used to evacuate a fabric, film or membrane for the purpose of securing orthotic, prosthetic, or other body worn articles, including sports-related articles. In contrast to the straps and tight-fitting approaches of existing devices, the inventive methods and apparatus provide for a slip-free seal to surrounding body parts, thereby simplifying construction, reducing weight, and enhancing comfort. The invention is applicable to any type of orthosis, prosthesis, foot wear, mitts, gloves, and so forth, including apparatus associated with the ankle and foot, knee, hip, back and neck, shoulder, elbow and hand.

Abstract: An ankle support has a tubular sock-like elastic sheath which, in use, is slipped over the foot and ankle of a wearer and extends upwardly over the lower leg, the sheath thereby having lateral and medial sides and a posterior end for receiving the heel of a wearer. Heel locks are provided by lateral and medial elastic locking straps secured to the sheath at a bottom portion of the posterior end of the sheath, and at a rear portion of the sheath (back of the heel) above the posterior end. The action of the two locking straps locks the heel of the wearer against lateral and medial movement. An elastic wrap on the sheath over the foot and ankle of the wearer overlies the lateral and medial portions of the locking straps to provide a lift to the heel.

Abstract: A night splint for a user's foot having a frame member and a toe retainer that is releasably connected to the frame member. The toe retainer is configured to dorsiflex at least one toe of the user to allow for a dynamic stretch of the plantar fascia and to provide a low load stretch of the Achilles tendon, plantar fascia tendon, deep flexor muscles and calf muscles to relieve symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chafe useable on an orthopedic walker and including members which define a slot through which a strap, such as the strap of a walker, may pass. The chafe also includes a stud on the member, and a connection element connecting the stud and members defining the slot.

Abstract: An orthopedic walker for mounting on the lower leg of a patient includes a walker base having a central area for receiving the foot of a patient and a spaced lower surface including an outer sole, and a pair of struts connected to the walker base. Each of the struts has a frame member of high strength material secured to the first end of the walker base and a supporting component integrally secured and adjacent to the frame member. The supporting component defines laterally extending side wings generally corresponding to the second end of the frame member, and is constructed from a material less rigid than the high strength material of the frame member. The supporting component has a main body and a border portion that are integrally secured and contiguous with one another. The border portion is formed from a material having a lower hardness than the material forming the main body.

Abstract: A foot support having straps which receive the calcaneous and wrap around the midfoot in a tensioned state for stabilizing the rearfoot and the midfoot to avoid excessive inversion and eversion of the foot.

Abstract: An ankle brace is configured to provide lateral and/or medial support of an ankle joint between the leg and foot and broadly includes an upper brace anchor secured to the leg above malleoli of the ankle joint and a lower brace anchor secured below the foot. The anchors are interconnected by a stabilizing strap that is tensioned between the anchors and serves to restrict inversion and/or eversion of the foot. The anchors and strap are also dimensioned and configured to permit dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot.