Abstract: An ankle brace for comfortably supporting an ankle of a wearer by inhibiting motion between a foot and lower leg of the wearer. The ankle brace employs a laminated, moisture-wicking material for leg and foot portions that improves wearability during athletic activities. The leg and foot portions are combined with medial and lateral stays that are supported within pockets of the leg portion so as to provide medial and lateral stability for the ankle. A strapping unit is used to further improve stability with a pair of straps that are formed of the same piece of laminate material as the foot portion and extend upwards from the foot portion to cross over the ankle and attach to the leg portion. Advantageously, constructing the straps from the same piece of material as the foot portion eliminates fasteners and overlapping material and allows the ankle brace to be used with off-the-shelf footwear.

Abstract: A removably mounted brace for supporting the ankle joint comprising a main body portion configured to surround ankle and foot portions of the wearer and connecting means for drawing the opposing side sections in a close-fitting snug relationship to the underlying foot and ankle portions of the wearer. A plurality of straps are included which have one end fixed to a side section and a free end. Upon fixing these straps in a manner wherein at least one applies forces in primarily a horizontal direction from the rear and others apply forces in primarily a vertical direction upward from the arch of the foot, they cooperate to maintain the tibia, fibula in their anatomically correct relationship with the talus and resist under forces in both horizontal and vertical directions.

Abstract: An ankle support (10 ) includes a first portion (11), which is a boot-like member, and an outer member (30). A pre-configured figure eight member comprising a strap (240 ) is positioned around the boot-like member (11). The outer member (30) is secured to the boot-like member (11) and forms a cover to hold the pre-configured figure eight member in place to prevent misalignment of the strap (240).

Abstract: A method and device for treating heel pain comprises a first support mechanism for disposition about the heel region of a human foot and a secondary support mechanism for disposition about an arch region of a human foot. When disposed about the heel region and arch region respectively, the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism support the plantar fascia in a more normal biomechanical position.

Abstract: An ankle support is provided with a semi-rigid stabilizer having upstanding walls that present a generally U-shaped support structure conforming to the shape of a wearer's heel, and having an anterior mouth from which the wearer's foot projects. Medial and lateral walls of the stabilizer have peak portions at the mouth which extend into supporting relationship to the wearer beneath the medial and lateral malleolus to provide an effective heel lock. The upper edges of the supporting walls extend abruptly downwardly from the peak portions to a lower rear wall to provide relief at the rear of the stabilizer.

Abstract: A high-top shoe having an integrated internal ankle brace allows substantial forward and rearward movement of an ankle while substantially limiting side-to-side motion of the ankle. The ankle brace includes a semi-rigid orthotic plate shaped to receive a wearer's ankle thereon and having a rear support portion. A longitudinally extending blade element is fixedly attached to the rear support portion at a proximal end thereof and substantially fixed relative to a leg of the wearer by at least one support member at a distal end thereof. The support member may be the shoe upper itself, or a separate element. The blade element has an axial length, a thickness T extending in a fore/aft direction of the orthotic plate corresponding to a fore/aft direction of a wearer's foot, and a width W. The axial length extends beyond the wearer's ankle, but should not extend beyond the shoe upper, such that the internal ankle brace is not exposed.

Abstract: A device for fitting onto a foot and ankle of a human body which is a thermoformable element suitable for being thermoformed onto the foot. This element includes a first part and a second part which are joined together in an edge-edge relationship. Each of the first and second parts is formed of a sheet of thermoformable material. The sheet of the first part has a different thickness or density than the sheet of the second part. The first part extends over the foot and the second extends around the ankle. A third part can be joined in edge-to-edge relationship to the first and second parts and extends over the top of the foot.

Abstract: An ankle brace that can be configured to fit feet and ankles of differing sizes. The brace includes a base that wraps around the sides and rear of the foot and ankle, with forward edges that come toward another but do not meet. Two movable flaps are releasably fixed to the base, one on each side of the base, using hook and loop type fastening material. Straps and loops are mounted in alternating fashion on the forward edges of the two flaps, with one end of each strap remaining free. The free end of each strap can be trained through a loop mounted on the opposite movable flap and then looped back for attachment to the mounted end of the strap using hook and loop type fastening material, to fasten the brace securely to the foot and ankle. By repositioning the movable straps the effective size of the brace is varied.

Abstract: Bandage for the ankle joint, comprising an elongated tape, whereby the elongated tape runs around the heel, across the lateral side of the ankle joint, across the instep in a medial plantar direction and across the sole of the foot in a lateral plantar direction, whereby the first and second transverse edge of the tape are fastened to the tape itself and whereby two bridles are attached to the elongated tape, the first extending from the lateral side on the forefoot and the second from the lateral side on the ankle joint, whereby the second bridle is circularly closed around the ankle joint and the first bridle is guided on the forefoot across the instep to the medial side of the ankle joint and then circularly closed around the ankle joint.

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: The surgical stocking made by knitting a knitting yarn together with an extensible weft yarn is a placebo type stocking suitable for exerting compressive pressure at the ankle of less than 8 mmHg, and preferably less than 5 mmHg. It is intended for double blind tests versus placebo using a product having the same structure, the same visual appearance, and the same feel as an active stocking but compression that is negligible and thigh/ankle degressivity that is close to unity. The weft yarn presents mass per unit length lying in the range 250 dtex to 600 dtex, preferably in the range 350 dtex to 500 dtex, with the proportion of elastic material being less than 25% and preferably less than 20% of the total weight of the thread. Its elongation capacity lies in the range 200% to 350%, preferably in the range 200% to 300%, but its springiness (II) is very different from that of an elastic stocking (I).

Abstract: A closure assembly permitting gross and fine adjustment of a brace structure about a body part is provided. The assembly generally includes a binding member, and an anchor structure supported by the binding member and variably positionable therealong. Portions of the binding member extend from a first portion of the bracing structure, a free end of the binding member being adapted to secure the free end to the first portion of the bracing structure, the anchor structure adapted to be selectively securable to a portion of the bracing structure opposite the first portion.

Abstract: A foot orthosis has an L-shaped support member having leg, heel and foot portions. An anklet and a plurality of straps extend around the support member to engage the burned foot and secure the foot to the support member. The anklet and straps have support surfaces comprised of a closed foam material that will not absorb moisture and which will not adhere to the burn areas of the foot.

Abstract: An ankle support and method for providing ankle support over a user's foot. The ankle support includes a stiff stirrup and ankle strap having an elongated, generally straight shin portion and terminating in an elongated, generally straight stirrup portion, the stirrup portion being at an obtuse angle to the shin portion. Additionally, a flexible ankle strap attached to the stirrup and ankle strap and extending from the stirrup portion of the stirrup and ankle strap, away from the shin portion of the stirrup and ankle strap. A flexible shin strap attached the shin portion of the stirrup and ankle strap, so that the flexible ankle strap extends from underneath the wearer's foot, so that it is then wrapped around the ankle area and over the wearer's foot, while the shin strap is wrapped around the wearer's lower leg area behind the shin.

Abstract: A custom ankle brace which is made to compensate for debilitating conditions of an individual patient's ankle area. The brace is custom made by creating a negative cast of the patient's foot/ankle/lower-leg; and then prescribed markings are included on the negative cast by the castmaker to indicate the desired geometry of support. The markings are transferable to a positive cast to inform the bracemaker. The custom brace has inner and outer material layers with a stiffening element within, all fitted to the shape of a built-up positive cast, the stiffening element having a unitary horizontal partial sole portion and vertical back-and-sides-of-leg portion. The stiffening element, made from a thin polymeric sheet, is vacuum and heat fitted to the built-up-positive cast.

Abstract: A unitary boot-type ankle brace is provided having the capability of stabilizing an ankle against inversion and eversion without limiting normal plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle and while simultaneously providing focal compression of the anterior talofibular ligament. The brace is preferably constructed of a flexible material and includes a medial side portion dimensioned and configured to extend along a medial side of a user's leg and foot, and having a lateral side portion dimensioned and configured to extend along a lateral side of the leg and foot. The side portions are joined to a forwardly extending forefoot sleeve portion and to a base portion. In a primary aspect of the invention the side portions define a rear opening for insertion of the foot with a strap for selectively connecting the side portions adjacent the user's heel.

Abstract: An ankle support (10) includes a first portion which is a boot-like member (11) A preconfigured figure 8 member comprising a first strap (40) and a second strap (50) is positioned around the boot-like member. An outer member (30) is secured to the boot-like member and forms a cover to hold the preconfigured figure 8 member in place to prevent misalignment of the straps (40 and 50).

Abstract: Disclosed is an ankle support which includes a low temperature, formable plastic, closed-cell foam sewn to a soft orthopedic appliance to provide the desired rigidity and conformability, and a method of making the same. The closed-cell foam is in a skeletal configuration comprising a relatively wide collar for encircling the leg of a wearer and supporting a plurality of relatively narrow elongated stiffeners depending therefrom substantially normal thereto. At least one of the stiffeners terminates in a J-shape. In producing the new brace, a polyolefin foam is laminated with nylon fabric on both of its surfaces. The laminated foam is then cut to desired blank shape. This blank is then sewn to the fabric of the soft brace, also in flat blank shape. The soft brace is then sewn into its sock configuration. The combined foam sheet and attached soft brace blanks in a sock configuration are then mounted upon a male die and subjected to low temperature heat and pressure forming.

Abstract: An ankle support 10 includes a first portion which is a boot-like member 11. A preconfigured figure 8 member comprising a first strap 40 and a second strap 50 is positioned around the boot-like member. An outer member 30 is secured to the boot-like member and forms a cover to hold the preconfigured figure 8 member in place to prevent misalignment of the straps 40 and 50.

Abstract: Bandage for the ankle joint, consisting of an elongate strip and of a strap secured on the elongate strip, the first transverse edge of the elongate strip being arranged essentially vertically on the medial side of the ankle joint, the elongate strip being guided round the heel, across the lateral side of the ankle joint, across the back of the foot in the medial-plantar direction and across the sole of the foot in the lateral-plantar direction, the first transverse edge of the elongate strip being secured on the elongate strip itself, and the strap being joined to the second transverse edge, the said strap being guided from the lateral side of the sole of the foot across the back of the foot to the medial side of the ankle joint, round the heel to the lateral side of the ankle joint and across the lateral side of the ankle joint and being secured.

Abstract: An elastic waistband comprises at least a main portion (A) made of an elastic fabric, a first end portion (B) in the form of two triangle-shaped tails (B1, B2) joined together to said main portion (A) and having at their free ends with Velcro® fasteners (V1, V2) and a second end portion (C) having anchoring felt pads (P) for the Velcro® Fasteners (V1, V2). The elastic main portion (A) is composed of a first central portion (A1) of a fabric (1) of greater elasticity than the elasticity of a fabric (2) of two side portions (A2, A3), joined together along transverse sewing lines (A1-2), A1-3). Transverse stiffening inserts (S1, S2, S3, S4) are disposed in correspondence of the transverse sewing lines joining together the first central portion (A1), the side portions (A2, A3) and the first and second end portions (B, C).

Abstract: An orthotic device developed and customized to control the desired movement of the patient's defective lower limb. The device incorporates a footplate made of a rubber-like elastomeric material and a proximal segment that encompasses the foot at the metatarsophalangeal joints and the shin portion of the leg. This proximal segment is made of a rubber-like elastomeric material laminated into multiple layers of fabric throughout the proximal segment. Additional strips of fabric are positioned within the proximal segment of the device to limit or promote certain motions within the foot and ankle. This device incorporates a continuous closure from the foot to the proximal segment, creating total contact and hydrostatic containment of the foot and lower leg.

Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles wrap comprises a wrap including at least one strap for fastening the wrap around the foot and around the ankle. The wrap positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the wrap 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 wrap also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the wrap 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: Ankle support having a lateral side and a medial side, at least comprising

Abstract: An improved athletic shoe, ankle orthosis and method for protecting the ankle against injury, limit subtalar joint motion of the ankle by controlling the motions of segments of the subtalar joint fore and aft of the subtalar joint while permitting motion of the foot about the ankle joint. A supporting structure a part of or connected to the shoe or orthosis is preferably in the form of a heel-sole counter provided about the heel and at least a portion of the foot forward of the subtalar joint. The supporting structure has a semi-rigid shape retaining character which is not collapsible vertically and which together with the shoe or orthosis limits torsional movement of the foot about the longitudinal axis of the subtalar joint as seen in a top plan view thereof by an upwardly extending portion thereof which acts as a torsion bar that is, in turn, secured to the lower leg.

Abstract: A plantar fascitis foot support apparatus, including a support strap for being positioned in a generally U-shaped configuration along the medial and lateral aspects of the ankle and extending under and supporting the plantar fascia region of the foot. An ankle-encircling retention strap is attached by its opposite ends to the support strap at a substantially right angle thereto for retaining the support strap in a supporting position against the plantar fascia region. The support strap includes an inelastic segment and at least one attached elastic segment for providing controlled stretch of the support strap during placement on the foot and during subsequent movement of the foot while the support is in place. Complementary and releasably-adjustable fastener elements are carried by the retention strap and the support strap for permitting lengthwise adjustment of the support strap relative to the plantar fascia region of the foot.

Abstract: An ankle brace for a lower leg, ankle and foot of a human having a medial part anatomically adapted to fit the lower leg, the ankle and the foot of a human and a lateral part. The medial part is flexible and includes a sole part adapted to extend beneath the foot. The lateral part is connected to the sole part of the medial part and is substantially more flexible than the medial part.

Abstract: A heel locking, energy absorbing, support and cushioning device adapted to fit around at least a portion of a user's foot and ankle, comprising, a sleeve having one or more pockets at least partially fixed to the walls of the sleeve which are at least partially filled with a compressible, polymeric material, flowable at room temperature, capable of absorbing impact energy, and comprising a plurality of microspheres.

Abstract: A device for controlling the reflex response of a muscle or muscular group articulating a living body joint by applying a specific mechanical stimulation (SMS) to the external area of the joint which corresponds to the mechano-receptors guiding a natural reflex of the muscle or muscular group. The embodiments of the device include a support member adapted to be mounted to the wrist ankle or lumbar spine joint, a pressure-applying member and a resilient portion interposed between the support member and the pressure-applying member to continuously apply a required pressure intensity during articulation movements of the joint. The mechano-receptors include skin mechano-receptors and deeper joint mechano-receptors. The reflex response of muscles articulating a joint is facilitated by a low external SMS pressure intensity and inhibited by a high external SMS pressure intensity.

Abstract: A foot protector including a generally tubular foot portion for surrounding a portion of a wearer's foot. The foot portion has a front opening for receiving the wearer's toes. An ankle strap is coupled to the foot portion and the ankle strap and foot portion define an access opening and a heel opening for receiving the wearer's heel. An ankle cover is coupled to the ankle strap for encompassing the wearer's ankle.

Abstract: An elastic textile implement to be tightly worn over an articulation or part of the body to be protected and/or aided in its mechanical action is made in a geometrically flat form foldable to shape, substantially of a single size. The implement is made in the form of a planar made of an elastic fabric comprising an elastomeric yam and substantially non-elastic yarns, conformable around said part or articulation and tautingly fixed thereon by "Velcro" .RTM. fasteners, the fabric comprising at least a third substantially non-elastic yarn of a material selected from the group composed of nylon, polyester and mylar, interwoven with at least a first and a second non-elastic yarns and with said elastomeric yam and forming a dense population of loops (M) projecting for a determined height out of one face of the fabric. "Velcro" .RTM.

Abstract: A venous pressure gradient support device to be worn over a surface portion of the human body to prevent or remedy varicose veins. The device includes a container configured for receiving and retaining a plurality of beads. Preferably, the beads are glass spherical beads and the container is an envelope having a flap which may be folded over to retain the beads in the envelope. The envelope of beads may be worn underneath a support garment such as support hose so that the envelope filled with beads is pressed to the surface portion of the human body. The envelope of beads conforms to the irregular shape of the human body and the beads take on a pressure gradient to balance the blood pressure at the surface portion of the human body.

Abstract: An orthotic device for a joint of the human body includes an elongated element having an elastic portion, and structure for mounting the element on the body in a mimicking relationship with one of the muscles and the associated tendons collectively extending across the joint. The structure is operable to secure the element to the body in such a manner that the element extends across the joint and is retained in the vicinity of the joint against substantially all movement other than linear extension and retraction.

Abstract: The adjustable ankle brace of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-7 is generally composed of a first sheet and of a second sheet. Such ankle brace can be also referred to as a spat and can be worn over a shoe or an athletic shoe. Overall, the ankle brace of the present invention is formed of a piece of flat material, where the flat material is fit over the foot or shoe such as to leave three openings when in place, namely a first opening for a heel, a second opening for the toes and a third opening for the shin of the leg. A completely disengageable zipper or fastener is provided between the second opening and the third opening such that after completely opening the zipper or fastener, the second opening and the third opening form a combined opening.

Abstract: In ankle brace apparatus, the combination comprises a foot and ankle holder having a foot portion, and having an upper ankle portion with opposite first and second sides; support strap structure operatively connected to a holder to extend under foot portion and then to extend generally upwardly and rearwardly for retention to those opposite sides at retention zones; and retention flaps connected to the holder and extending forwardly to overlap support strap structure at retention zones, the retention flaps spaced apart to provide freely adjustable and conforming cushioning at the rear of the holder.

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: A unitary ankle supporting and heel cushioning device being an ankle strap attached to a heel cushioning portion which can be worn with or without a shoe. The device allows a portion of the foot to be exposed which allows for activities to be performed which require the grip of a bare foot. The heel cushioning portion may also include a heel plug to provide additional heel cushioning.

Abstract: An inner ankle protector device 10 including a protector member 20 having an outer shell element 21 and an inner padded liner element 25 dimensioned to receive the user's inner ankle bone on one foot, a strap unit 12 including main 30 and auxiliary 33 strap members adapted to cooperate with one another and the protector member 20 to encircle the user's ankle and arch. The strap members 30, 33 also provide a thin, cushioned layer on the outside of the protector unit 11.

Abstract: An ankle brace designed to limit inversion, eversion and twisting movements while allowing near-normal flexion and extension. The ankle brace includes a medial member and a lateral member, each of which has a forward edge, a bottom edge and a rearward edge. The forward edges are associated with one another to define a front support portion of the ankle brace. Similarly, the bottom edges are connected and define a base support portion of the ankle brace. Finally, the rearward edges are associated with one another to define a rear support portion which further includes a one direction stretch material strip. The material strip is disposed at the rear support portion such that during use, the material strip stretches with flexion of the user's ankle. However, the material strip and remaining components remain relatively rigid in other directions to limit inversion, eversion and twisting movements.

Abstract: An ankle brace having an upper portion adapted to extend about a wearer's ankle above a malleoli. The upper portion having at least one anchor site. A foot section conforming to a portion of a sole of the wearer's foot and an elastic lateral connection extending between the foot section and the upper portion enabling normal range of movement of the ankle and becoming increasingly taut at about the limit of either the normal or a preset range of movement. The anchor site having a pad with holes to which the skin of the foot conforms so as to adhere the pad to the skin. Suction cups and adhesive may also be used alternatively or in combination to adhere the pad to the skin of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A protection and treatment device for ankle, heel and elbow prominences of bed ridden patients in the form of a topically applied pressure resilient cushion adapted to be positioned on the skin adjacent the bony prominence in which a pad having a relatively flat surface conformable to the skin area at which it is applied contains a recess essentially to embrace the bony prominence and includes a perimeter section around the recess that abuts the skin around the bony prominence and supports the cushion against the body tissue adjacent the prominence. The cushion includes multiple sections having differing cross-sections and may be provided in adhesive and medicated configurations maintained in place by a.

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 bandage for the fixation of an ankle joint of an ankle of a foot. The bandage comprises a ring element arranged in an area of a lateral malleolus. At least one tension strap is provided at an outer side of the foot and connected with the ring element in the area of the lateral malleolus. The tension strap extends from the ring element to at least one free tension strap end substantially in a direction of a middle foot or a forefoot of the foot. The free tension strap end includes a fastener section for fastening to a coupling surface of a part fixed relative to the foot. A ring bandage surrounds a malleolar region of the ankle, and has first and second ends extending substantially in the direction of the lateral malleolus and connected with the ring element. The ring bandage has a length which is adjustable for tensioning the tension strap.

Abstract: A therapeutic compression garment made of a unitary piece of flexible, foldable, light weight Velcro-type loop fabric having a central region for wrapping partially around a body part and a plurality of pairs of bands integrally connected to the central region and extending outwardly in opposite directions from both sides of the central region to encompass the body part. The therapeutic garment adapted for the leg in combination with an ankle-foot wrap for applying therapeutic compression to the leg, ankle and foot. A method for treating disorders requiring compressive therapy involving the step of applying the garments of the invention to the indicated body part.

Abstract: A medical boot for protecting a user's foot has a bottom covering formed of a continuous loop material. A detachable, flexible external trilaminate sole has an upper layer of a continuous fabric loop material engageable with the bottom of the boot, a bottom layer of a ground-engaging material, and an intermediate layer of a resilient foam.

Abstract: A therapeutic compression garment made of a unitary piece of flexible, foldable, light weight Velcro-type loop fabric having a central region for wrapping partially around a body part and a plurality of pairs of bands integrally connected to the central region and extending outwardly in opposite directions from both sides of the central region to encompass the body part. The therapeutic garment adapted for the leg in combination with an ankle-foot wrap for applying therapeutic compression to the leg, ankle and foot. A method for treating disorders requiring compressive therapy involving the step of applying the garments of the invention to the indicated body part.

Abstract: A therapeutic ankle orthosis including overlapping medial and foot shells pivotally interconnected to permit pivotal foot movement about the talocrural joint with the overlapping portions of the medial and foot shells secured together to protect against ankle ligament injury from rotation of the foot and leg in opposite directions in the horizontal plane, said ankle orthosis includes interactive effective means for accentuating the compression effect on the soft tissues surrounding the fibular malleolus for control of ankle swelling.

Abstract: A foot and ankle support including a boot element of which first and second parts are shaped and positioned to embrace respectively parts of a user's leg above, and foot in front of, the ankle. Two straps are fastened by a first fastening to the first part at a position above and not behind the position in the boot element at which the ankle will be located. The straps are adapted to cross in front of the ankle and encircle the foot. The support may also include a stiff shell including first and second upright members joined by an integral third member. The first and second members are shaped and dimensioned to fit over malleoli of a foot and to extend part way up opposite sides of a leg.

Abstract: A foot and ankle therapeutic compression device in which at least a pair of foot compression bands extend outwardly from opposite sides of a central region which engages the bottom of the foot and at least a pair of ankle bands extend rearwardly from the central region, and in which the pairs of foot and ankle compression bands are tightened and anchored in tightened condition by VELCRO hook and loop surfaces.

Abstract: The Dorsal Night Splint orthosis for human wearers includes a substantially rigid upright member consisting of an upper portion and a lower portion. When placed upon the foot of the wearer, said upper portion proceeds downward from approximately beneath the knee to the lower portion which terminates at the top of the foot. The lower portion is further defined by two opposed ankle splints. Said opposed ankle splints extend downward on each side of the ankle and wrap around, overlap and terminate at the Plantar aspect of the foot. A flexible member is positioned between the wearer and the upright member to provide padding for extended wearing of the device. The device is fastened to the wearer by one or more Velcro straps. When correctly placed upon the foot, the heel and the attachment of the Achilles tendon, as well as the wearer's toes, remain exposed.