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 engage the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. Straps are provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a removable flexible orthosis for middle foot damage comprising three bands in all (the metatarsophalangeal band, the tarsal band, the maleollar band) and two straps (a traction strap and a lateral return strap which can be symmetrical). The metatarsophalangeal band (2, 15) is adapted to be fixed on the forefoot and extends transversely, from the foot to the heads of the first and fifth metatarsi and, longitudinally, from the rear of the root of the toes towards the shaft of the metatarsi. The traction strap (4, 16) comprises at least one end fixed or capable of being fixed on the first metatarsophalangeal band (2, 15), said traction strap extending between said first band (2, 15) and the portion of the orthosis designed to be applied on the rear of the foot. Preferably, the traction strap is shaped like a metatarso-calcaneo-metatarsal stirrup, its two ends being fixed on the postero-external and postero-internal edges on the first metatarsophalangeal band.

Abstract: Orthopedic device for treating neuropathic ulcers and other injuries while allowing easy access to the wound site on the plantar surface of a patient's foot includes a base portion and a sole that is either movably connected or removably connected to either the base or to a strut member. The base or strut is maintained in position on the lower leg while the sole may be rotated, slid, or completely removed for allowing inspection and access to the plantar surface of the patient's foot.

Abstract: A mobility aid includes a harness that can be placed on the upper body of the user, an elasticated cord that can be attached to a foot of the user, and means for attachment of the elasticated cord to the harness.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided to reduce a foot drop condition. In an embodiment, an adjustable apparatus includes a lower leg member that can be secured to a lower leg portion of a user. The lower leg member can be adjustably and releasably coupled to a user's footwear to assist in orienting the user's foot at a desired orientation. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a molded brace member that can be secured to a user's lower leg below the calf. The molded brace member can be sized and dimensioned to correspond to the associated measurements of the lower leg of a user afflicted with a foot drop condition. A lacing member can be coupled to the user's footwear and coupled to the molded brace member to orient the user's foot at a desired orientation.

Abstract: A foot support system includes a base to receive a sole of a foot, a cuff adapted to attach to a first portion of a leg near a knee of the leg, and a strap extending between the base and the cuff. The strap includes an elastic portion, a proximal segment attachable to the cuff, and a distal segment coupled to the base in proximity to a toe edge of the base. A strap holder may be included in certain embodiments of the invention to provide a relatively conforming fit to a wearer of the system, thereby allowing for a wider range of footwear options. An alternate embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of branches extending from the distal segment of the strap and adapted to fit between adjacent toes of a wearer in order to couple the strap to the base.

Abstract: An AFO for automatically lifting the toes about the phalanges joint to assist a person when they have a medical condition referred to as “drop foot” comprising, in combination, a support that transcends vertically between two points on the lower front leg, a primary tension member attached to the upper point with a snap swivel leads to where it is fastened to the toe of a shoe at an optimum location just above the big toenail and a secondary tension member placed over the primary member so that it aids in lifting the toes and keeping them lifted. A lower strap holding the support to the front of the leg in the vicinity of the ankle does so in a spiral manner, preventing a “choking” effect that would impede circulation. The entire device is lightweight, easy on/off, comfortable and doesn't need to go in a shoe.

Abstract: A walk supporting device includes a seating member on which a user is seated in a straddling manner and a pair of left and right leg links that support the seating member from below. Each of the leg links is coupled to the seating member to freely swing in a horizontal direction. The seating member is prevented from rolling around a support shaft serving as a swing fulcrum in the horizontal direction of the leg link to improve stability in the horizontal direction of the seating member. A stopper member coupled to the seating member is inserted between joint sections at upper ends of left and right leg links supported by the support shaft. A regulating mechanism that regulates the seating member in a posture orthogonal to an equiangular bisector of an angle in the horizontal direction formed by the left and right leg links may be provided.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis including a footplate having a line of progression that extends from a heel portion to a middle portion to a toe portion of the footplate, and a leg support connected to the footplate. The footplate has at least two superimposed and discrete structural layers each having a different length and extending along at least a segment of a length of the footplate. The footplate defines regions with different thicknesses and stiffness. The leg support has a first end portion connected to the heel portion of the footplate.

Abstract: An ankle brace comprising a pliable underliner and including medial and lateral straps including forward and rear strap segments which allow a wearer to independently adjust the tension provided to the forefoot and heel. The ankle brace is capable of being worn on either foot and with conventional footwear and inhibits inversion and/or eversion of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: The animal wound shield is a protective casing having a shank portion and an appendage cover that can be disposed around a limb and an attached appendage of the animal. The appendage cover is articulated to a lower end of the shank. Thus, the appendage cover is pivotally connected to the shank and moves with the movement of the appendage. The shank may have more than one section, or an upper and lower portion, to extend further up on the limb, and yet still accommodate for joints. The shield is designed for use around an injured limb to cover a bandaged area and prevent further damage to the wounded site. Vent openings are defined in the shank and the appendage cover to permit air circulation. Fasteners may be used at a top end of the shank to hold the shank on the limb.

Abstract: A device including an elastic member and means for connecting the ends of it to a person so that the elastic strip is operable, when the person's leg is straight or nearly straight, to exert a force that tends to bend the leg at the knee and hip is disclosed. The device assists someone using the device to achieve a safe and adequate lift of his or her legs during the swing phase of the gait cycle. Prolonged use of the device has been observed to cause a person, when later walking without the device, to exhibit better leg lift during the swing phase of the gait cycle than that person did before using the device. The elastic strip can be connected at one end to a shoe insert and, at the other end, to a belt.

Abstract: A rear entry ankle brace for providing support and stability to an ankle includes a rigid internal support member covered on both sides by a soft durable material. The ankle brace is secured about a leg with an adjustable strap. A flexible heel is provided for facilitating walking.

Abstract: Provided is an ankle-foot orthotic device and method for preventing foot drop of a person wearing footwear. The device includes an elongated member adapted to extend along an anterior portion of the lower leg and conforms to a portion of the dorsal surface of the foot. The elongated member is further adapted to secure to an upper outer region of the person's footwear. Securing the device to the lower leg and footwear of a person maintains the foot in a dorsiflexion position. The elongated member may include an upper portion positionable relative to an intermediate portion providing an ankle-foot orthotic device variable in length.

Abstract: A below-knee orthotic device in which dorsal flexion and plantar flexion are enabled by a support spring connecting a lower leg sleeve and a foot sleeve. The support spring is clamped in the foot sleeve, so that a gap is formed between the heel part and the foot sleeve, wherein bending of the support spring in stepping direction is limited through a stop on the foot sleeve.

Abstract: An ankle support apparatus which is designed to protect the lateral maleolus ankle bone and the medial maleolus ankle bone. A cuff band is wrapped around the leg and a pair of elongated strap members are supported on the cuff band and on the shoe worn on the leg so that one elongated strap member is in front of the ankle bone and the other elongated strap member is behind the ankle bone.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis having a structural frame formed from at least one layer of fabric impregnated with a hardened structural resin. The frame includes at least one anterior support member that extends downwardly from an upper leg engaging portion to define an anterior ankle portion which extends to a medial portion connected to a foot plate.

Abstract: An orthotic foot device that can be fastened to a person's bare foot is provided. The orthotic has a U-shaped hindfoot supporting region and an arched midfoot supporting region. A method for stabilizing and supporting a bare foot with the orthotic is also provided. The orthotic can be taped to a bare foot so that the foot is held in a neutral position upon foot impact. The orthotic is particularly suitable for bare foot athletes such as dancers and gymnasts.

Abstract: A modular ankle-foot orthosis includes a lower leg and ankle support and a plantar foot support. The two components may be secured together to provide more complete support for a patient, as required. The two supports may be attached in various ways, such as a bottom heel clip extending from the foot support component, which secures through a passage in the heel of the lower leg and ankle support component. A tongue extends from the foot support clip, to capture the material at the edge of the lower leg and ankle support passage between the tongue and the foot support plate. The two components are quickly and easily assembled together and disassembled as required, to provide more versatile treatment for the patient. The complete structure, or any components thereof, is sufficiently thin to allow wear within a conventional walking shoe or the like.

Abstract: A leg support system for transferring weight support from the ankle region of a leg to the upper portion of the calf just below the knee includes a weight-bearing support cuff and a pair of support members each having a foot portion positioned even or slightly lower than the natural position of the foot of the user.

Abstract: A suspension walker having a hard, outer boot shell with upright brace members attached on either side and a soft boot receivable thereon. The soft boot has a main pad in it with a removable, fitting pad or pads on top of the main pad. A cuff member is also provided that is securable to the patient's calf and to the upright brace members. In use, the fitting pad is removed during the initial fitting and subsequent uses to suspend the patient's foot in the walker. The cuff member is also infinitely adjustable along the brace members to vary the fit as desired.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis having a structural frame formed from at least one layer of fabric impregnated with a hardened structural resin. The frame includes at least one anterior support member that extends downwardly from an upper leg engaging portion to define an anterior ankle portion which extends to a medial portion connected to a foot plate.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis for relief of a patient from orthopedic dysfunctions comprising, in combination, a shoe and a brace assembly. The brace assembly comprises a leg member and a pair of opposed upright members. The leg member is constructed and arranged such that portions of the inner surface of the leg member complementarily conform to portions of the rear and sides of a patient's lower leg. Each upright member of the pair of upright members is connected to the leg member and extends downwardly from the leg member to a distal end. The support brace further comprises means for resiliently connecting a portion of the support brace to the upper portion of the shoe. In use, at least a portion of the distal ends of the upright members is inserted into a portion of the heel portion of the shoe between sides of the shoe and the patient's foot.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a dorsiflexion angle of a surgical patient's foot relative to the corresponding leg during tendon surgery. The apparatus includes a leg member having a first support adapted for engaging at least one of a lateral malleolus and a medial malleolus of the patient, and a second support opposing the first support adapted for engaging another of the lateral malleolus and the medial malleolus of the patient. The apparatus further includes a foot member rotatably connected to the leg member for selectively rotating the foot member relative to the leg member about an axis defined by the first support and the second support of the leg member. The foot member has a metatarsal support adapted for engaging a predetermined point on at least one preselected metatarsal bone of the patient.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an ankle-foot orthosis (32) for resisting plantarflexion of a patient's foot, the orthosis (32) comprising: a resiliently flexible sock-like structure (34) enveloping, in use, at least a portion of a patient's lower leg in the vicinity of the ankle and at least a portion of the plantar (46) and dorsal (48) aspects of the patient's foot. Another embodiment provides an ankle-foot orthosis (1) for resisting plantarflexion of a patient's foot, the orthosis (1) comprising: a resilient rib (3) locatable, in use, along and in abutment with at least a portion of the dorsal aspect of the patient's foot and at least a portion of the patient's lower leg, the orthosis (1) comprising means (7) for securing the rib (3) to the patient's foot and lower leg.

Abstract: A cloth covered, thermally insulated therapeutic boot. Hook and loop fasteners and straps are arrayed about the boot to control the support angle between the foot and calf. Numerous other hook and loop fasteners are fitted to the boot surfaces to secure panels that wrap to define the boot. A contour shaped and vented foam calf support is secured to the boot to support the calf and elevate the heel within the boot, when the boot is supported. Hinge pieces mount between the calf support and a rigid heel cradle. Hook and loop fasteners secure the hinge straps to the calf support. Compressible, flanged hinge pins mount to the hinge straps to permit rotations relative to stops.

Abstract: An assembly for an orthosis includes a flexure unit for joining two parts of the orthosis, such as a foot shell and an ankle or leg shell. One end portion of the flexure unit is supported on a housing that permits angular adjustment of the end portion of the flexure unit relative to the section of the orthosis on which the end portion is mounted. The angular adjustment is accomplished by utilizing a positive drive between a base portion and a housing that traps the end portion of the flexure in position on the base. This permits varying the assisting force, for example, toe lift, of the flexure unit between orthosis shell parts when the orthosis is worn.

Abstract: A foot splint for the prevention and rehabilitation of plantar fasciitis by maintaining a wearer's foot and, hence, his plantar fascia, in a preselected amount of dorsiflexion. The foot splint includes a footplate for supporting the wearer's foot, a lateral strut extending along the lower leg of the wearer and having a strap for releaseably attaching the strut to the wearer's leg, and a wrap for wrapping around the foot of the wearer. A soft insole may be provided to cushion the wearer's foot from the footplate. The wrap, insole and footplate provide a comfortable “slipper-like” feel for the wearer. Moreover, the foot splint is particularly suited for use during sleep since it is light-weight and open configuration allows for the wearer to move unimpeded between sleep positions, resulting in a more restful sleep. Moreover, the lateral placement of the strut keeps the rigid portions of the foot splint from inadvertently abrading, striking, or otherwise interfering with the wearer's other leg.

Abstract: A foot lifter orthosis including a dorsal leg shell, extending over the rear foot, which can be fixed by a strapping means to the calf of the orthosis wearer and which has a forefoot shell section constructed in one piece which extends to a point below the foot sole region, wherein the leg shell exhibits a low resistance in dorsal foot bending and a high resistance compensating for the foot and shoe mass in plantar foot bending with at least one resilient inlay, which extends approximately parallel to and at a short distance from an edge of the leg shell from the calf region thereof to a point below the forefoot shell section. An associated method of formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A combined exerciser/massage device includes a base, a shaft rotatably mounted to the base, two cranks respectively mounted to two ends of the shaft, and two pedals respectively mounted to the cranks. Each pedal has at least one massage member provided thereon for massaging a sole of a user's foot on the pedal. Two legrests are provided on the base and each has at least one massage member provided thereon for massaging one of a calf and a ham of a user's leg that is cycling an associated one of the pedals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ankle-foot orthosis (1) that comprises a strut (2) extending over the front of the lower leg and anterior of the lateral ankle, a foot plate (3) extending beneath the sole of the foot and a fastening means for the fastening the orthosis(1) to the leg. The strut comprises a bifurcation zone (9) and two strut branches (2′, 2″) arranged to extend on the outside of the lower leg on each side of the tibia. Thus the present invention provides an orthosis (1) with high resistance against wear and tear, high wear comfort for the patient and an orthosis (1) enabling an almost normal gait.

Abstract: A foot orthosis includes a generally “L”-shaped splint having a generally upright leg-engaging section and a forwardly-extending foot support section with at least a portion of the splint being substantially transparent. A generally flexible foot receiving and retaining boot is removably mounted on the splint for releasably securing a foot on the splint, and a tongue-receiving pocket is mounted on one of the splint and the boot, the tongue-receiving pocket having at least one opening and a tongue retaining section therein. A generally planar skid pad includes an attached tongue section projecting from the skid pad, and the tongue section of the skid pad is insertable into the tongue-receiving pocket such that the tongue is releasably secured in the tongue-receiving pocket and the skid pad is thus releasably secured on one of the splint and the boot.

Abstract: A low-cost orthosis for the treatment of toe injuries is disclosed. The orthosis is a bilateral, monolithic structure molded from polymeric foam material and having an upper portion adapted to surround the heel, dorsal portions, and toes of a foot, and a lower portion forming an outsole. The outsole has a wedge-shaped, proximal portion which elevates the forefoot, the proximal portion terminating in a cylindrical radius positioned beneath the ball of a user's foot. The distal portion of the outsole is recessed so that during use the orthosis can pivot on the fulcrum formed by the previously described radius, as would occur during ambulation, without the distal end of the orthosis contacting the floor. An insole, formed by the upper surfaces of the outsole of the orthosis is generally planar with a distally positioned recess in the area of a user's toes.

Abstract: A new method for correcting genu flexus and equinus foot, in order to achieve a normal step of the foot and the recurvatum of the knee, uses a device which consists of a pushing component and a traction component. The pushing component comprises a piece of suitable material in an appropriate form, which exerts a pressure on the supracondyle region of the femur. The position of the piece and the pressure it exerts is adjusted by means of a jack operated by a spindle, such that it is possible to adapt the device to different sizes and shapes of the legs of different patients. The traction component consists of a piece in the form of a receptacle that is attached to the ankle, the position and angle of which can be adjusted with respect to the axis of the leg. Once the traction component has been put in place, there are means for displacing it in the longitudinal direction, in the direction of the separation of the pushing component.

Abstract: A static tension device for retaining the greater toes in a dorsiflexed position to treat plantar fasciitis, while not restricting the ankle. The toes are retained in a dorsiflexed position by a tension strap and optionally, a relief in the tension strap allows the lesser toes remain in a non-dorsiflexed position. An optional stabilization strap aids in maintaining the position of the tension strap, especially when the user is ambulatory. An optional slipper aids in maintaining the position of the tension strap, especially when the user is at rest.

Abstract: A foot drop support arrangement including a leg member and a strap having a first end supportable between the big toe and an adjacent end and a removable attachment mechanism for attaching the second end to the leg member whereby a user can support his or her toe end of the foot from a leg support without necessity for a shoe and with ease of installation for a foot drop patient upon getting up after sleeping.

Abstract: A heel elevating device is adapted for being applied to the lower leg of a reclined patient to elevate the heel of the patient above a supporting surface. The heel elevating device includes a generally U-shaped lower leg support having a base and first and second opposed extensions. The extensions define an opening therebetween for receiving and supporting the lower leg of the patient. A comfort liner is secured to an interior of the lower leg support for cushioning the lower leg and providing a soft, protective surface against the skin of the patient. Adjustable fitting straps are provided for adjustably fitting the lower leg support to the lower leg of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthotic for correction of foot pronation and a method to fabricate the foot orthotic. The orthotic includes a thin formable body having pliable medial and lateral side walls and a pliable bottom, and a securing mechanism to draw the side walls about a foot so as to create a hydrostatic pressure of the soft tissue of the foot within the orthotic. The securing mechanism includes hook and loop straps attached to the pliable body and looping rings attached to the pliable body for wrapping the straps therethrough. The pliable body is vacuumed formed plastic wherein the plastic is chosen form the group consisting essentially of polypropylene, polyethylene or copolymer. The orthotic has a heel post attached to the bottom thereof to provide stability for standing or walking. The heel post is formed from a semi circular piece of material chosen from the group consisting essentially of polypropylene, polyethylene, or copolymer.

Abstract: A foot support system for actively and passively supporting a foot of an individual suffering from drop foot. The foot support system includes an upper support removably attachable to the leg, a lower support removably attachable to the foot, and an elastic member attached between the upper support and the lower support for applying an upward force upon the distal portion of the foot. The upper support and the lower support preferably include an upper loop and a lower loop respectively for catchably receiving the elastic member. The elastic member may include an engaging member attached to a first end and a hook member attached to a second end thereof for selectively engaging one another.

Abstract: The invention comprises a walker having a frame which provides a bottom and sides. Apertures are provided in the bottom, and a sole piece is positionable adjacent the outer surface of the bottom of the frame in a manner such that parts of the sole piece extend inwardly through the apertures. The inwardly extending parts of the sole piece comprise or include a plurality of protrusions which in use support part of the users foot.

Abstract: A foot lift assist enables a person with foot drop to walk in a nearly normal manner. The foot lift assist comprises an elastic cord anchored at a person's hip by a belt. A foot strap is worn on the foot generally over the toes of the foot. The elastic cord is connected to a ring on the foot strap that is located to the outside of the longitudinal centerline of the foot. The elastic cord then lies completely to the outside of the leg and knee. When the person removes his weight from the foot, the elastic cord exerts an upward force that bends the leg at the knee and hip and that also pivots the foot upwardly about the ankle. The person can then take a step without his toes dragging on the ground. The foot strap may be fully flexible. Alternately, for walking on abrasive surfaces, the foot strap may have a metal plate bonded under a strap. A heel band attached to the plate and looped around the heel helps retain the foot strap on the foot.

Abstract: A quick release orthopedic limb brace having an upright assembly and a clip member. The clip member is quickly and selectively inserted and removed from a clip housing on the upright assembly, at the convenience of a user. When the clip is locked in the clip housing, the resulting joint connection effectively prevents relative movement between the clip and the upright assembly to prevent injury or harm to a user. In an alternate embodiment, the upright remains pivotal.

Abstract: A collapsible posterior splint capable of sustained biplanar (frontal and sagittal) dorsiflexion of the foot. The splint is comprised of a compression support sleeve, inserted into a flexible frame, and utilizing adjustable tension straps. This splint is a method of treatment for foot pain, including plantar fasciitis.

Abstract: A short leg brace which is composed of a foot mount and a calf splint pivotably attached to each other so as to allow plantar and dorsal flexions and which is provided with a compression spring between the splint and the heel portion of the mount for elastically hindering the plantar flexion.

Abstract: The invention comprises a walker having a frame which provides a bottom and sides. Apertures are provided in the bottom, and a sole piece is positionable adjacent the outer surface of the bottom of the frame in a manner such that parts of the sole piece extend inwardly through the apertures. The inwardly extending parts of the sole piece comprise or include a plurality of protrusions which in use support part of the users foot.

Abstract: A heel elevating device is adapted for being applied to the lower leg of a reclined patient to elevate the heel of the patient above a supporting surface. The heel elevating device includes a generally U-shaped lower leg support having a base and first and second opposed extensions. The extensions define an opening therebetween for receiving and supporting the lower leg of the patient. A comfort liner is secured to an interior of the lower leg support for cushioning the lower leg and providing a soft, protective surface against the skin of the patient. Adjustable fitting straps are provided for adjustably fitting the lower leg support to the lower leg of the patient.

Abstract: A device consisting primarily of two hinged plates with a variable tensioning mechanism. Applied to the foot and lower leg the device provides a progressive stretch for planter fascia, Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle. Enhancements, comprised of an adjustable toe support, adjustable arch support and foot strap enable maximization of stretch for various foot types and conditions. A method of setting tension levels allows for application of protocol and, in conjunction with the use of a system to measure angular displacement of the plates, provides a method of evaluating flexibility and flexibility gains of the plantar fascia/Achilles tendon system.

Abstract: A drop foot brace includes an upper support bearing against the rear lower leg and a lower support bearing against the rear heel. A springed hinge couples the upper and lower supports and biases the upper and lower supports against the rear of the user's leg and rear of the user's heel, respectively. A shoe maintains the springed hinge against the rear of the user's leg in the vicinity of the user's ankle whereby the user experiences a lifting force in opposition to drop foot. The brace needs no coupling to the body and includes sufficient flexibility to facilitate comfort when not in use while still providing aid against foot drop. One form of the foot brace includes the heel or foot support integrally formed within a shoe and including a slot formation receiving the remaining portions of the brace whereby the brace may be easily removed from the shoe when not needed.

Abstract: A medical diabetes treatment boot can be equipped with a cushion placed inside the boot against an upper rear portion of the boot, to promote flotation support for the wearer's ankle when the cushion includes a soft midsection panel adapted to engage the ankle rear surface; a deformable fluid-containing pouch is removably disposed in a hollow interior space within the panel to provide ankle support. The pouch can be removed through a rear access opening that is normally closed by a zipper closure.

Abstract: An orthopedic splint for the treatment of plantar fasciitis and similar disorders has a rigid brace adapted to be worn on the front of the lower leg while leaving the rear of the leg, ankle and heel uncovered. This configuration makes the invention splint comfortable when the patient is laying on his/her back or side, because there is no rigid structure to come between the patient's leg or foot and a mattress or other surface on which the leg may be resting. Alternative embodiments of the invention splint contact either the top or the bottom (dorsal or plantar surfaces) of the foot.