Abstract: A tool for corrective treatment of an ingrown toenail with a super elastic wire including a tubular member 1 having a length of about 1-2 cm and being tapered such that a diameter at a root is about 2 mm and a diameter at a tip is about 2 mm. A plurality of holes 4 are formed in the tubular member 1 to be distributed over a whole surface of the tubular member 1. A slit 2 is formed in the tubular member 1 by saw-tooth edges 3 such that the tubular member has a C-shaped cross section. After inserting a side edge Na of nail plate N is inserted into the tubular member 1 via the slit 2, the tubular member is compressed by a pincher and the saw-tooth edges 3 bite on the nail plate N to secure the tubular member to the nail plate N. One end of a super elastic wire 5 is inserted into one or more suitably selected holes to fix the super elastic wire to the tubular member 1 in an easy, stably and effective manner.

Abstract: A splint and a method for treating toe injuries. A sleeve is sized for splinting an injured toe; a strap on the sleeve extends from the sleeve, around an adjacent toe and back to the sleeve; and fastening arrangements associated with the sleeve and the strap for fastening both ends of the strap to the sleeve, whereby the strap securely holds the splinted toe to the adjacent toe. The adjacent anchoring toe is preferably disposed toward the middle of the body from the injured toe. The sleeve advantageously applies compression to the injured toe. Preferably, one end of the strap is permanently attached to a distal end of the sleeve and is extended around a distal portion of the adjacent anchoring toe. The fastening arrangements may comprise a hook-and-loop-type fastener.

Abstract: An ingrown toenail curing kit includes a resiliently compressible material. A liquid adhesive is positioned in a container. An elongated implement has a first end and a second end. The material may be positioned under a toenail with the elongated implement. The material may be secured under the toenail with the adhesive until the toenail has properly grown out.

Abstract: A toe guard is made of a flexible sheet of plastic, is U-shaped in longitudinal cross-section, is open in the back and both sides, and is contoured on its upper and lower surfaces to fit the top and bottom of a foot comfortably. The front of the toe guard is solid and is spaced from the toes when attached to the foot. The toe guard is attached by means of a wide strip of adhesive tape wrapped around the tongue and base of the guard in the vicinity of the instep and ball of the foot. The tape prevents the toe guard from slipping longitudinally on the foot. The toe guard protects the toes from a frontal impact and from blows from the top, bottom, and sides of the toe guard. The toe guard is initially wider than the foot for which it is designed and can be trimmed to fit the intended user's foot. Being flexible, it spreads to fit on the ball and instep, generally conforms to the shape of the foot, and bends with the foot when walking.

Abstract: A toe guard is made of a flexible sheet of plastic, is U-shaped in longitudinal cross-section, is open in the back and both sides, and is contoured on its upper and lower surfaces to fit the top and bottom of a foot comfortably. The front of the toe guard is solid and is spaced from the toes when attached to the foot. The toe guard is attached by means of a wide strip of adhesive tape wrapped around the tongue and base of the guard in the vicinity of the instep and ball of the foot. The tape prevents the toe guard from slipping longitudinally on the foot. The toe guard protects the toes from a frontal impact and from blows from the top, bottom, and sides of the toe guard. The toe guard is initially wider than the foot for which it is designed and can be trimmed to fit the intended user's foot. Being flexible, it spreads to fit on the ball and instep, generally conforms to the shape of the foot, and bends with the foot when walking.

Abstract: The space for putting round the toes 5 surrounded by the opposed edges 11 of the horizontal band pieces 1 and 2 and the cord for putting round the toes having contraction and expansion properties 4 is formed by linking between the upper ends of the opposed edges 11 of the pair of horizontal band pieces 1, 2 for right and left sides using the cord for putting round the toes having contraction and expansion properties 4 and by linking the lower ends of the horizontal band pieces 1 and 2 for right and left sides by the fasteners 3 or the like. Moreover, the section for putting round an ankle 12 is formed by linking the idler ends 10 and 10 of both the horizontal band pieces 1 and 2 each other by given means.

Abstract: A system, method and device for the symptomatic relief for soft corns by injecting a medical grade molding substance between the toes between which a corn is located, forming a molded-in-place, custom-shaped high definition mold, unique to the individual's physical conformation and which reduces friction and eliminates pressure points on the corn.

Abstract: A pair of rigid clamping blocks, each with a length approximating the width of a human foot across the toes is applied wherein one side of each of the blocks engages a compressible pad, and the other side of the blocks provides a longitudinal groove in an outfacing surface. A clamping wrap engages the longitudinal grooves in the pair of blocks when the blocks are placed on opposing sides of the toes and the clamping wrap encircles them, for applying a compressive force to the blocks and the toes sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A support (10) worn on a person's foot (F) or hand to correct a deformity to a toe (T2) or finger. A first sleeve (12) of a support material is sized to fit over the adjacent toe (T1). A second sleeve (14) of the material is sized to fit over another toe (T3). A band (16) of material extends between the two sleeves. The band of material fits over the deformed toe when the support is worn and holds the deformed toe in a position in which it does not overlay the adjacent toe but extends generally side-by-side with it. Another embodiment of the support can be worn on a person's hand to treat a deformed finger. The support can be incorporated into a sock (100) or glove (110).

Abstract: A bunion correction device for providing lateral and torsional forces to one or more misaligned joints of the afflicted and deformed toe of a bunion sufferer, including a first toe-encircling ring and a second toe-encircling ring, and an elongated flexible member connecting the first and second toe-encircling rings and extending substantially beyond the toe-encircling rings. The toe-encircling rings are adapted to engage the patient's toe while the elongated flexible member is adapted to encirclingly engage the bunion patient's ankle. The elongated flexible member urges the toe-encircling rings to apply both a longitudinal and a torsional force component to the toe. The longitudinal and torsional force components then urge the misaligned joints of the bunion patient's toe into realignment.

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 protective apparatus for protecting an end of an appendage from physical contact after a surgical procedure. The apparatus has a base that affixes to an appendage. An attachment assembly affixes the base to the appendage. A protective guard extends outward from the base and bends back toward the base to at least partially enclose an end of the appendage. The guard creates a buffer that encloses space between the guard and the end of the appendage to prevent the end of the appendage from contacting the guard when a force is applied to the guard.

Abstract: A medical wrap for the promotion of diabetic and like wound healing generally comprises a multi-layered sheet structure for removable application to a patient's foot, said sheet structure having interposed therein an integral bladder; an inlet for fluid inflation of said bladder; and said sheet structure being adapted and said bladder being shaped to produce a non-shearing compressive force in the area of the patient's first and fifth metatarsal heads upon fluid inflation of said bladder. The multi-layered sheet structure may comprise a first sheet and a second sheet, said first sheet forming the exterior of said structure and said second sheet forming the interior of said structure, said second sheet being more extensible than said first sheet. A padding layer of ester foam, or the like, may also be incorporated into each sheet.

Abstract: A device for treating conditions associated with excessive pronation of the subtalar joint of a human foot, including a substantially T-shaped strap member having an elongate leg section and a head section substantially transverse to the leg section. The head section is configured so as to be positionable to substantially wrap around a toe of the human foot, such as the big toe.

Abstract: A removable orthotic insert for improving the gait of a person suffering from diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or other condition that impairs proper transfer of weight to the forefoot. There is a rigid cap member having a downwardly extending, transverse ridge located proximate the junction between the arch and forefoot portions of the insert, behind the metatarsal head area of the foot. The ridge engages the underlying insole of the shoe to form a pivot point that enables the insert to rock forwardly and rearwardly in the shoe. As the person's foot moves through the gait cycle, the transfer of weight towards the forward end of the foot causes the rigid cap member to tilt forwardly in the shoe, enhancing the angular orientation of the foot as the toe-off position is reached.

Abstract: A corrective supporter provides for correction of Hallux Valgus and Digitus Varus Minimi to allow the stable maintenance of outer and inner vertical and lateral arches of a plantar sole. The corrective supporter includes a pushing band to push against the inward or outward prominent metatarsophalangeal to the normal positions, and two resilient reinforcements, the first resilient reinforcement which is located between the first toe and the second or into which the first toe is fitted such that the first toe moves away from the second by the outward push force or pull force, and the second resilient reinforcement which is located between the fifth toe and the fourth or into which the fifth toe is fitted such that the fifth toe moves away from the fourth toe by the outward push force, or the pull force.

Abstract: A foot supporter includes a tubular body and a first-toe receiving portion. The tubular body is formed of knit fabric and is stretchable in the transverse direction of the foot. The tubular body is adapted to receive the tread portion of the foot and compress root portions of metatarsal bones in the tread portion. The first-toe receiving portion is formed of knit fabric and is stretchable in the longitudinal direction of the foot. The first-toe receiving portion is attached to the front end of the tubular body end to be located on the inner side of the foot. The first-toe receiving portion includes a sack portion at the tip end thereof and an opening at the base end thereof such that the opening is opened toward the second toe.

Abstract: A health appliance comprises a fitting member fittable in between toes or fingers and having in an interior thereof a pressurized medium charging portion. This portion is expanded in a direction so as to widen a space between the toes or fingers when the pressurized medium is charged therein. A pressurized medium charging port is provided at a location of the health appliance so as to communicate with the fitting member, for charging the pressurized medium into the pressurized medium charging portion.

Abstract: An aseptic protector for skin penetrating devices includes a body of deformable material for accepting and encapsulating a protruding portion of a skin penetrating device, such as a pin or drain, from a location where the skin penetrating device protrudes from a skin surface to a location spaced outwardly from the skin surface. The body of deformable material functions as a buffer and inhibits movement of the skin penetrating device. The body of deformable material includes an aseptic agent, preferably dispersed throughout the body of material, for contacting the skin surface and the skin penetrating device at the location where the skin penetrating device penetrates the skin surface to prevent, inhibit or arrest infection where the skin penetrating device penetrates the skin surface.

Abstract: A forefoot bandage that is substantially symmetric about a transverse axis and has two notches on opposite ends for positioning on the right and left foot. The notches and angled portions located along the bandage conform to the forefoot to increase comfort, strength and stability. During use, one of the notches of the bandage is placed in the sulcus between the great toe and the second toe of the user and the bandage is then wrapped about the plantar region of the foot near the toes and to support the joints of the great toe and forefoot.

Abstract: The ingrown nail correcting device is to correct ingrown toenails by using a plate-like member made from a shape memorizing alloy or shape memorizing resin material. A plate-like member (10) formed from a shape memorizing alloy or shape memorizing resin material is preliminarily made to memorize a specified shape at a specified temperature. The plate-like member (10) is bent in accordance with the bent portions of an ingrown nail (12) of a big toe (11) at room temperature, and adhesively bonded to the surface of the ingrown nail (12) with the aid of an adhesive agent. The atmospheric temperature is elevated to the specified temperature, whereby the ingrown nail (12) is corrected by the restoring force of the plate-like member (10) directed toward the arrows..quadrature.

Abstract: A unitary device for the correction of hallux valgus is made of an elastomeric fabric material that includes a large portion that encloses the forefoot cirumferentially, and a smaller portion that encloses the great toe circumferentially. The fabric for constructing the device is cut in such a way that there is a bias towards varus of the great toe. Once the device is applied on the great toe and forefoot, the bias of the cut exerts a varus force on the great toe, thus correcting the valgus deformity.

Abstract: An orthopedic protective device to protect limb extremities against injury. The device is typically used in conjunction with a cast, and encloses the limb extremity, while providing airflow within the device to reduce the risk of infection. A combination of gripping strips and gripping straps provide an easy means to attach and remove the device from the extremity. The device can also be used in combination with a surgical boot to protect the device and the cast from damage that may occur when the patient walks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toe splint for an outer toe, having a rear holding part, which is to be placed against the metatarsus, and a supporting part, which is integrally connected thereto and is to be placed upon the toe to be supported. The holding part and the supporting part each have a side portion to be placed against the outer edge of the foot or toe. The improvement according to the invention consists in the fact that the side portions are continuously joined in the manner of a splint.

Abstract: A turf toe brace includes a flexible boot adapted for snugly anchoring the brace to a foot of a user, an elongate generally non stretchable strap releasably joinable in a multiplicity of configurations to the boot by a fastening mechanism and a toe loop. The toe loop is joined to the strap opposite the boot. In use the strap passes under the foot and is connected to at least one side of the boot in such a manner as to pull downwardly on the great toe and help prevent hyper-extension of the great toe, especially during work or athletic events.

Abstract: The present invention is a restraint and method for stretching the plantar fascia. A foot plate in combination with a lifting member serves to elevate the phalanges and to reduce contracture of the MTP joints. Employing a leg support shell, side railings, and straps, the present invention is able to be worn at night unobstrusively but fixedly upon the lower limb. Padding throughout the present invention ensures comfort. The user can vary the angle of dorsiflexion of the phalanges by removing and attaching various lifting members to the foot plate.

Abstract: An enveloping elastic sock for treating Plantar Fasciitis, wherein the sock has a heel opening and exerts compressive forces along the longitudinal and transverse axes of a patient's foot.

Abstract: A foot supporter body is formed into a cylindrical shape using cloth having excellent elasticity and it has an approximately X-shaped acupressure projection on its inner side including first to fourth linear ribs extending in four directions from the center. The acupressure projection is formed in a symmetrical shape on the right and left sides of the center. When this foot supporter is fitted on the foot in the region somewhat back from the base region of the toes, the acupressure projection stimulates the surface of the foot to produce the effect of treating hallux valgus and the like and reducing the pain in the sole of foot caused by the this problem.

Abstract: A turf toe brace includes a flexible boot adapted for snugly anchoring the brace to a foot of a user, an elongate generally non stretchable strap releasably joinable in a multiplicity of configurations to the boot by a fastening mechanism and a toe loop. The toe loop is joined to the strap opposite the boot. In use the strap passes under the foot and is connected to at least one side of the boot in such a manner as to pull downwardly on the great toe and help prevent hyper-extension of the great toe, especially during work or athletic events.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toe splint for a middle toe, comprising a rear holding part to be placed against the metatarsus and a front supporting part which is to be placed onto the toe to be supported and the front end of which lies roughly in alignment with the holding part. The improvement according to the invention lies in the fact that the middle and/or rear part of the supporting part is arranged substantially higher than its front end.

Abstract: A bunion treatment apparatus for minimizing forces applied to a bunion on a foot surface of a patient includes a generally planar main portion and at least a first generally planar build-up portion. Both portions are constructed of flexible padding material and have predetermined thicknesses. The build-up portion has a smaller planform area than the main portion. The main portion is provided with a bunion-receiving aperture, which preferably extends therethrough, and the build-up portion is sized and shaped to fit around the bunion-receiving aperture. By providing one or more build-up portions with the main portion, the podiatric patient can custom-adjust the thickness and configuration of the bunion treatment apparatus to fit his own individual bunion. The main portion is also provided with a toe loop, which is formed with strain relief cutouts where its generally opposed edges intersect, to eliminate tearing of the main portion when the toe loop is placed over the toe of a patient.

Abstract: A device to be used with a post-surgical boot for protecting the toes from injury and uncleanliness, which includes a base section, a toe-covering section, and an integral tongue section.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a valgus big toe rectifying supporter which can prevent pain in and around a valgus big toe and its nail which will be caused by pressure exerted by the valgus toe or its nail, comprising a metatarsal joint securing band which will be firmly wound laterally around the metatarsal joint at the root of the big toe so that the metatarsal joint may be kept fastened, a big toe holding member which is connected to said metatarsal joint securing band and is attached to the big toe for holding the big toe in cooperation with said metatarsal joint securing band, a resilient member, for example, a sponge which is fixed integrally with or is separably attached to said big toe holding member and will be inserted between the big toe and the second toe, and a pulling band one end of which is connected to one side surface of said metatarsal joint securing band where said metatarsal joint securing band is integrated with said holding member and the other end of which can be wound around

Abstract: The present application is directed to a valgus big toe rectifying supporter which can prevent pain in and around a valgus big toe and its nail which will be caused by pressure exerted by the valgus toe or its nail, comprising a metatarsal joint securing band which will be firmly wound around the metatarsal joint at the root of the big toe laterally of the foot so that the metatarsal joint may be kept fastened, with this band turned upward, projection pieces extended from the upper end lower edge by the band, and a resilient body positioned between said projection pieces which will be inserted between the big toe and the second toe. The big toe can extend outward, so that its nail is not pressed to cause pain around it. Since the valgus big toe rectifying supporter can fit any big toe regardless of the thickness or length thereof, one can freely move the big toe thereby allowing easy walking.

Abstract: An adjustable tension and adjustable compression splint for one or more joints on a finger or a toe formed of a strip of elastic, stretchy material which is cooperatively joined with a narrow pocket containing a dynamic extension strut or stay or a static malleable position strut or stay.

Abstract: A splint for flexing or straightening a joint of a hand or foot. The splint includes a support plate including a planar portion to be mounted on the hand or foot in a stationary position relative to one of the distal bone and proximal bone of the joint. A rod is mounted above the support plate and serves as a pivot axis for one or more elongated bent bars. A finely threaded, adjustable screw is mounted at one end of each bar and has a tip which bears against the support plate. A support pad is adjustably mounted at the other end of each bar and engages the hand or foot along the other of the proximal bone and distal bone of the joint. The pivotal angle of the bar relative to the support plate is vernierly adjusted by turning the adjustment screw. As a result of adjustment of this pivotal angle, the joint can be gradually flexed or straightened. The splint is particularly well-suited for flexing a metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint of hand.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a valgus big toe rectifying supporter which can prevent pain in and around a valgus big toe and its nail which will be caused by pressure exerted by the valgus toe or its nail, comprising a metatarsal joint securing band which will be firmly wound laterally around the metatarsal joint at the root of the big toe so that the metatarsal joint may be kept fastened, a big toe holding member which is connected to said metatarsal joint securing band and is attached to the big toe for holding the big toe in cooperation with said metatarsal joint securing band, a resilient member, for example, a sponge which is fixed integrally with or is separably attached to said big toe holding member and will be inserted between the big toe and the second toe, and a pulling band one end of which is connected to one side surface of said metatarsal joint securing band where said metatarsal joint securing band is integrated with said holding member and the other end of which can be wound around

Abstract: The finger splint an elastic sleeve for enclosing a finger with an injured joint includes. The sleeve is tapered slightly to conform to the shape of the finger. A gel pack is incorporated into the sleeve to either heat or cool the injured joint. A strap is attached at each end of the sleeve, to be wrapped around the adjacent uninjured finger to hold the injured finger to the adjacent finger, while permitting normal active motion of the fingers. Velcro (.TM.) patches are provided to secure the straps to hold the two fingers together.

Abstract: An appliance and method for correcting ingrown toenails. A thin, flat resilient strip is conformed to the shape of the toenail and adhesively attached to the toenail with a suitable adhesive. The strip extends to within one-eighth inch of either opposite side of the toenail, and when so applied, tends to bend resiliently bend back to its original flat shape. The corresponding torque effect created on the toenail is sufficient to cause the affected ingrown toenail to grow out into a naturally correct position. The strip may be of a heat-sensitive material which is more pliable when heat is applied, and which resumes a greater degree of rigidity when the heat is dissipated. Bevelling of the edges around the outer perimeter of the strip smooths the transition of the strip into the surface of the toenail for aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: A foot support will assist individuals with weakness or paralysis of dorsiflexion and eversion of the foot and extension of the toes, the condition commonly referred to as "foot drop." The foot support has a quilted, cushioned center piece and pouch forming a pocket for receiving the front of the user's foot. Straps affixed to each side of the quilted cushioned center piece extend across the dorsum of the user's foot, beneath the ankle and then around the distal to mid-leg of the user where they are secured by hook-and-loop fasteners. The foot support is sufficiently thin such that it can be positioned within the user's shoe.

Abstract: A support and straightener for finger joint contractures comprising a thin narrow rectangular pliable sheet metal base angularly displaced at one end and having a rigid support aligned with and secured to its bottom surface. The rigid support is angularly displaced from the one end of the base with a threaded aperture extending therethrough. An adjustable screw is threaded through the aperture for engaging with the one end of the base for applying a vernierly adjustable force to the finger joint. A non stretchable strap is mounted around the joint of the finger to be straightened and the support for applying a fixed perpendicular force to the finger at the area effected by the contracture.

Abstract: A support and immobilizing device for a damaged toe includes a pad having a front edge from which a curved support member projects. The suppport member overlies the damaged toe and is taped to it so that the toe will be supported and immobilized. The device of the present invention can be made for specific toes of the foot and the device will be of specific configurations for the big toe, the little toe, the fourth toe and the second and third toes. Thus, a total of four devices will be made and used for the five toes of each foot; however, the basic construction of the device will always remain the same, such basic construction being the combination of the pad and support member on the top of the foot and toe, respectively.

Abstract: An orthopedic rigid splint-plate orthosis comprises a splint-plate which is provided in one of a combination of different shapes and sizes corresponding to different body members which may have to be treated. The splint-plate has at one of its edges a non-stretchable linking ribbon which at the end thereof opposite to the end joined to the plate includes locking means which are complementary with corresponding locking means provided in the edge of the plate opposite to that edge joined with the ribbon. The plate is provided presterilized and isolated inside an impervious bag which may be filled with boiling water to make the rigid splint-plate soft, whereafter the water is drained and the softened plate applied and moulded to the body member and then left to harden back to its rigid state. For use in an operating theatre, the bag with the plate may be closed inside a second bag and sterilized with gas or radiation; thereafter, the plate may be softened by submerging the sealed outside bag in hot water.