Abstract: Footwear used for high performance activities such as running can be adhesively attached to the plantar surface of feet rather than uppers or straps. The upper surface of the protective layer of the footwear can have adhesive regions that secure the foot to the footwear and other regions that are not adhesively coupled to the foot. The adhesive regions can be under the heel, along the lateral side of the foot, under the first through fifth metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints and around the perimeter of the foot above the plantar surface.

Abstract: The implementation improves in the best possible way the integration between the insole and a modified sock, different than those currently known. The present implementation describes an insole-sock type insert for shoes, which presents a novel configuration that consists of an insole, which has a short, medium, or modified sock attached to it, totally or partially, within the extension of the insole; a short, medium, or modified sock, partially attached to the insole, remaining loose or free in the front part where the toes go and/or part of the instep as well as the front part of the foot, and; an attachment mechanism between the insole and the short, medium, or modified sock, which allows for their attachment, where such mechanism is a seam, Velcro, adhesive, or any other type of method that has the same function.

Abstract: An arch support comprising a first end that is inwardly curved in a distal direction; a second end that is outwardly curved in the distal direction, the second end is opposite to the first end; a middle portion connecting the first end and the second end, and wherein the first end, the second end and the middle portion are configured to support only an arch of a foot.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a footwear accessory comprising a pad and sleeve that extends from sides of the pad. The pad having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the pad is wider at the proximal end in comparison to the distal end. The left and right sides of the pad tapers slightly inwards from the proximal end towards the distal end. The sleeve of the pad is configured to be snugly worn in the foot, such that when the foot accessory is worn, the pad is positioned over the bridge of the foot.

Abstract: A system and method for non-surgical treatment of plantar fasciitis is disclosed. The system comprises a primary support strap split at both ends; a secondary support strap split at one end; and a cover support strap; wherein the straps are applied to a foot such that the combination of straps provides dynamic windlass support to the foot.

Abstract: A method providing for making and using a soft-shelled foot covering, by placing a foot within a covering such as a sock, placing the foot with the foot covering within an outline pattern, and manipulating various straps of the outline pattern, such as an inside heel strap, an outside heel strap, an inside ball-of-the-foot strap, an outside ball-of-the-foot strap, a center toes strap, an inside big toe strap, and an outside little toe strap around the foot and other straps, thereby keeping the straps in place and securing the pattern to the foot.

Abstract: Footwear used for high performance activities such as running can be adhesively attached to the plantar surface of feet rather than uppers or straps. The upper surface of the protective layer of the footwear can have adhesive regions that secure the foot to the footwear and other regions that are not adhesively coupled to the foot. The adhesive regions can be under the heel, along the lateral side of the foot, under the first through fifth metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints and around the perimeter of the foot above the plantar surface.

Abstract: An ankle joint bandage includes a main body part of woven fabric in band shape, an anchor part of woven fabric joined to one end of the main body part and having a loop face of a touch fastener, and an engaging part joined to the other end of the main body part and having a hook face of a touch fastener. The main body part has a winding part which winds around an ankle of a wearer, a first supporting part which extends from an instep to the ankle, and a second supporting part which extends from the ankle to the instep of the wearer to cross the first supporting part at an upper portion of the instep of the wearer, the anchor part fastens around part corresponding to a metatarsal bone of the wearer, and the engaging part detachably sticks to the loop face of the anchor part.

Abstract: A compression garment for a neurological disorder includes a body portion and a pad. The body portion may be operable to wrap around a foot and the pad can attach to an inner surface of the body portion. The pad can include an outward protrusion and/or an inward recess. A guide sleeve may be dimensioned to wrap together with the body portion around the foot, the pad being disposable between the body portion and the guide sleeve. A first tensioning band may be attached onto to first and second locations of the body portion and be operable to secure opposing first and second portions of the inner surface of the body portion to secure the outward protrusion and/or recess of the pad against the abductor hallucis and flexor hallucis brevis muscles of the foot. The outward protrusion can include a receiver for the metatarsal head.

Abstract: The half shoe accessory for a foot brace boot is configured for use with a controlled motion boot. The controlled motion boot is further defined with an upper, a sole, a vamp a quarter, and a toe guard. The toe guard is a perimeter structure that: 1) protects the interior of the vamp section of the half shoe accessory for a foot brace boot from impact injuries; and, 2) follows the perimeter of the sole. The half shoe accessory for a foot brace boot comprises a sleeve, an impact cushion, and a plurality of hook and loop fasteners. The sleeve is a covering placed over the toe guard. The impact cushion is a pad that attaches to the superior side of the sleeve. The plurality of hook and loop fasteners: 1) attach the sleeve to the toe guard; and, 2) attach the impact cushion to the sleeve.

Abstract: Footwear used for high performance activities such as running can be adhesively attached to the plantar surface of feet rather than uppers or straps. The upper surface of the protective layer of the footwear can have adhesive regions that secure the foot to the footwear and other regions that are not adhesively coupled to the foot. The adhesive regions can be under the heel, along the lateral side of the foot, under the first through fifth metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints and around the perimeter of the foot above the plantar surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is provided. The stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is adhesively applied to the foot of a patient for providing relief from plantar fasciitis. A portion of the stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is adhesively attached to the bottom surface of the foot for reducing stress on the plantar fascia.

Abstract: An ankle brace having a brace body, first reinforcement strips, second reinforcement strips, and a closure mechanism provides medial-lateral support. The ankle brace may be custom or pre-fabricated.

Abstract: An ankle harness for securing a free weight to a shoe and an ankle region of a user, the ankle harness including a pad member having a top face, a bottom face, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges, the top face of the pad member having a first fastener, an ankle strap coupled to one of the pair of side edges and having a top face and a bottom face, the bottom face of the ankle strap having a second fastener, a first pair of straps coupled to the pad member and extending past the bottom edge of the pad member, and a second pair of straps coupled to the pad member and extending past the bottom edge of the pad member. The pad member is secured to the user by disposing the ankle strap around the ankle region to permit the second fastener to engage with the first fastener.

Abstract: An arch strap for the treatment of pain in a patient's heel, such as plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendonitis and capsulitis. The arch strap has a first portion serving as a pad, shaped and sized to fit under the arch beneath a patient's foot and extending upwardly along one side of the patient's foot to the medial portion of the foot. The first portion is preferably adhesively attached to the arch of the foot and provides support and stability to the foot when properly positioned. There is an elongated strip having a first end attached to one side of the first portion and extending around the patient's heel and positioned in the medial portion of the foot where it adhesively attaches to the foot. The elongated strip keeps the first portion in place and provides support in the patient's heel to relieve pain.

Abstract: An ankle brace having a flexible main body that is designed to surround a human leg from the ankle from the lower leg to the midfoot, and having a fixing belt that can be wound around the main body that is affixed, with the first end, to the lateral section of the main body adjacent to its top end, and, with the second end, to the medial section of the main body adjacent to its top end. The ankle brace makes it possible to easily adjust a certain degree of pronation and at the same time be comfortable to wear. One of the first and second end is fixedly or releasably connected to the main body in a fixed position relative to the main body, and that the other of the first and second end is releasably connected to the main body.

Abstract: A plantar fasciitis arch support (PFAS) device is presented. The PFAS device is an ergonomic compression device that administers a measured pressure along the tissue on the plantar surface of the foot for purpose of relieving the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis. The device works by directly compressing and stretching the plantar fascia in order to relieve pressure at the plantar fascia attachment points. This device differs from current conventional splints that use a dorsiflexion force of the foot and ankle complex to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. The device is small, affordable, lightweight, and comfortable to wear. It targets the fascia directly, stretching the tendon gently through the night rather than indirectly stretching the calf or Achilles tendon.

Abstract: An ankle brace is provided that includes (a) a boot assembly having a semi-rigid or rigid support, (b) an adjustable stirrup configured to go under the arch of a wearer's foot, and (c) a lace and rotatable tightening mechanism configured to tighten the adjustable stirrup and pull it upward.

Abstract: Devices and methods of manufacturing and using the same are provided for treating patients suffering from tendon dysfunction. Certain exemplary brace embodiments contain strapping systems and inflatable cells that are adapted to support the forefoot of the patient.

Abstract: The proposed device includes two segments adapted to enclose a body part in a form-fitting manner. Each segment contains an electroactive-material-based actuator, which is adapted to receive an electrical control signal and in response thereto adjust the actuator's morphology, so as to cause the segment to apply a basic pressure profile to the body part. A pressure transition is adapted to redistribute the basic pressure profiles between the first and second segments. A control signal in respect of the first segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a first adjusted pressure profile to at least part of the second portion of the body part, and vice versa, a control signal in respect of the second segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a second adjusted pressure profile to at least a part of the first portion of the body part.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides a dynamic foot-arch support assembly for dynamically supporting the arch and structures of the human foot throughout phases of the biomechanical movement of the foot during weight-bearing activities. A dynamic foot-arch support assembly for supporting the arch and structures of a foot is provided that includes a support band having an upper end and a lower end, the support band forming a loop at the upper end through which to place a foot and position the loop around or just below an ankle portion of the foot, the lower end configured to wrap from an inside area of the ankle portion of the foot and rotate to an underside of the foot for secure attachment below the underside of the foot, the support band thereby configured to provide a tension to support an arch area of the foot, and a shoe sole, the lower end configured secured to the shoe sole.

Abstract: This device elevates the midsection of the foot when shoeless, addressing congenital flatness, or lapsing or pronation in the arch. The device, which can be constructed of various materials, does not support the metatarsus or heel, and is attached to the foot by lateral straps or equivalents. The device may be worn inside or over stockings. The device can also serve as an orthotic for barefoot runners or dancers by means of longitudinal extension, with openings under the metatarsus and heel so these areas may touch the ground or floor. This device may be contraindicated as a diagnostic or therapeutic aid, without the intent of medical application.

Abstract: An offloading and reduced-pressure treatment system includes an offloading and reduced-pressure treatment device, which has a plantar member formed from an offloading manifold material. The offloading and reduced-pressure treatment system further includes a reduced-pressure interface fluidly coupled to the pressure-transmitting layer of the plantar member, a reduced-pressure source, and a reduced-pressure delivery conduit fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure source and to the offloading and reduced-pressure treatment device. The offloading manifold material includes a first barrier layer, a support layer, a pressure-transmitting layer and a second barrier layer. The offloading and reduced-pressure treatment device may also have a dorsal member and a bridge member. Methods are also presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, methods, and kits for reducing joint pain and treating conditions of weight-bearing joints. The methods are accomplished through the use of a cushioned wedged insole or slab that selectively reduces pressure by cushioning impact and redistributing forces away from affected joints or joint compartments. Further, insoles are provided, which mimic the combination of fatty globules and the surrounding restricting fibrous network cushioning structures found in the foot.

Abstract: There is provided an arch strap suitable for the treatment of pain in a patient's heel, such as plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendonitis and capsulitis of the foot. The arch strap comprises a first portion serving as a pad, shaped and sized to fit under the arch beneath a patient's foot along the lateral portion of the foot from the fifth metatarsal head to the back of the heel and extending upwardly along one side of the patient's foot to the medial portion of the foot. The first portion is preferably adhesively attached to the arch of the foot and provides support and stability to the foot when properly positioned on a patient. There is an elongated strip having a first end attached to one side of the first portion and extending around the patient's heel and positioned in the medial portion of the foot where it adhesively attaches to the foot. The elongated strip is preferably an adhesive elastic tape such as Elastoplast® elastic adhesive bandage.

Abstract: A dynamic foot-arch support device for dynamically supporting the arch and structures of the human foot throughout phases of the biomechanical movement of the foot during weight-bearing activities is provided. A dynamic foot-arch support device for supporting the arch and structures of a foot is provided that includes a support band having an upper end and a lower end, the support band forming a loop at the upper end through which to place a foot and position the loop around or just below an ankle portion of the foot, the lower end configured to wrap from an inside area of the ankle portion of the foot and rotate to an underside of the foot for secure attachment below the underside of the foot, the support band thereby configured to provide a tension to support to an arch area of the foot.

Abstract: A flexible foot relief pad that is wrapped about and secured to the individual's foot in order to relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, restless arms, and foot and leg cramps includes a pliable cloth wrap having a foot engaging portion joined to a securing portion by a fold, with the foot engaging portion enclosing a cavity for holding therein a layered raised pressure application pad that applies pressure to select areas of the inner side and sole of the foot with the layered pad configured so that a portion of the pad extends transverse to the sole of the foot and a raised portion extends along the inner side of the foot for applying pressure to the specific muscle groups involved in restless leg syndrome.

Abstract: An ankle support having a first layer made from a rayon tape material and a second layer made from a non-woven polyester gauze material, the rayon tape material having a Young's modulus from about 2.2 N/cm2 to about 3.0 N/cm2 and the non-woven polyester gauze material having a bottom surface provided with an adhesive for securing the ankle support to the skin.

Abstract: An orthotic device for absorption of heel shock, treating edema and swelling and for lessening pain. It is comprised of an elastic sleeve adapted to fit over the foot and heel of a person. The sleeve includes a shock absorbing heel pad inside of the sleeve in a position to be disposed under the heel when the sleeve is worn around the heel. The sleeve is of elastomeric material providing compression to treat edema and swelling. The pad may be a polymeric plastisol material which can be cooled to provide cold therapy and positioned under the heel to provide cushioning and shock absorption.

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 support apparatus for supporting the plantar fascia of a foot. The support apparatus is made of an elastic material expandable in the width and longitudinal axis of the foot. When in operative position on the foot, the apparatus frictionally remains in place mid the first metatarsal bone and extends behind the heel of the foot above its os calcis bone such that when the foot is caused to bear weight, the apparatus expands along the longitudinal axis of the foot to its limit of expandability such that the arch of the foot is maintained substantially unchanged as the foot alternates between load bearing and non-load bearing orientations.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide taping socks which hold the ankle so as to protect the instep or the Achilles' tendon and prevent intorelance during walking or exercising. In the taping socks which have tightening parts woven in the socks, the first tightening part 7a is to tighten the Achilles' tendon and to be knitted around an ankle part S00, and a second tightening part 7b is to tighten an arch part P00 and to be knitted around the instep part 5. The said first tightening part 7a and said second tightening part 7b are crossed in an X shape at a flection part of front side to protect the Achilles' tendon and the instep part as well as hold the ankle part S00.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a therapeutic device and related methods for treating arthritis of the knee. The therapeutic device includes a stretchable band having a predetermined length, a flexible and resilient body installed in the longitudinal middle of the stretchable band with a substantially triangular cross-section whose height is greater at one side of the stretchable band than at the other, such that the higher portion of the flexible and resilient body is applied to the sole at a position nearer to the inner or outer side thereof, and the stretchable band may be used to wrap and fix the ankle.

Abstract: The present invention is a removable semi-elastic brace which may alleviate heel and arch pain. The present invention provides support to the heel and arch of the foot to aid in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, heel spur syndrome, calcaneal apophysitis, and Achilles tendinitis and tibialis posterior dysfunction. The device is adjustable to accommodate small changes in foot size. The device may also be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities including night or rest splints and custom-molded orthotics.

Abstract: A heel and forefoot plantar surface suspension device to be located to relieve pressure to ulcerated or injured forefoot and heel areas of a patient's foot. A contoured elongated pad of synthetic resin foam that has specific qualities of high-density shapeability characteristics is positioned on the foot engagement portion of the therapeutic foot enclosure that will selectively isolate and suspend alternately the plantar forefoot portion or plantar heel portion from direct contact engagement with opposing engagement surfaces.

Abstract: A prosthetic support for reducing pronation of the mid-foot is provided. The support includes a sleeve to be pulled over the toes and positioned under the nervicular bone at the mid-foot position. A contoured resilient pad is held in position on the sleeve and positioned under the nervicular bone to medially support the mid-foot.

Abstract: An orthopedic device comprises a shaft capable of at least partially encircling at least a lower part of a leg, a foot part, a cup-shaped heel part connecting the foot part to the shaft, a continuous bearing surface arranged between the front end of the foot part and the heel part, the bearing surface constituting a lower closure of the orthopedic device and having a side facing the interior of the orthopedic device, which is flat and symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal axis, and an arch support affixable to said bearing surface side. A portion of the arch support running along an outside of a foot capable of being supported by the arch support extends substantially horizontally, and a portion of the arch support running along an inside of the foot has a shape of a rising arc, a flank of the arc near the heel rising substantially perpendicularly from the bearing surface to an apex and extending from the apex to the foot part.

Abstract: An dispersive pad to accommodate a common metatarsalgia has a unitary pad of a flexible material such as neoprene. The pad is shaped to fit in a toe box of a shoe. The pad has a thin arch part, a thin toe part, and a thinner valley between the arch part and the toe part. The valley is defined by thicker pontoons on either side of the thinner valley.

Abstract: The following heel brace and method to reduce heel pain by securing a strap on the outer side of the ankle and bringing the strap under and up to a securing means on the opposite side of the foot whereby the calcaneus or heel bone is rotated to change the contact point of the heel and ground surface.

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: An arch supporter for providing padded support to an arch region of a user's foot. The arch supporter includes a flexible panel with a resiliently deformable pad upwardly extended from a top face of the panel. The top face of the panel also has an adhesive thereon to permit adhesion to a user's foot.

Abstract: A custom-made orthotic support unit including specific orthotic magnet elements formed into a unitary arch support for insertion, into and/or onto contemporary footwear for providing both postural corrections and magnetic therapy for the wearer.

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 supportive device for the longitudinal arch of the foot is comprised of a fabric-coated elasticized strap enclosing a specially designed pad of rubberized material. This strap is wrapped snugly around the longitudinal arch with the enclosed pad strategically placed to provide optimum arch support and secured by a VELCRO-type fastener strip.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for stabilizing the foot to control gait, wherein a sheet and a strap of limited elasticities are wrapped around the foot in a prescribed manner so that the sheet forms a sleeve around the arch and instep of the foot. The strap ends are attached to the sleeve so as to limit excessive pronation, assist in resupination and enhance retrograde stability to the major joints of the foot. The strap extends at an angle from a location on the sleeve adjacent to the bottom of the foot, up across the instep, over the top of the foot, around the heel, back along the medial side of the foot and can be fastened to the sleeve with a patch of fastening material, resulting in an adjustable fastening location below the first metatarsal of the foot. The patch can fasten intermediate locations of the strap to the sleeve to allow one apparatus to fit different sized feet.

Abstract: A foot correction method comprises the steps of raising a plantar arch (15) and applying a pressure on either side of a foot (13) to thereby maintain a configuration of a longitudinal arch and a transversal arch of the foot (13) so as to prevent and correct a spraying phenomenon of the foot (13). A splint (11, 23) for practicing the method comprises shape memory alloy wires preferably in the form of either woven fabric, such as a mesh (17), or a nonwoven fabric plate. The shape memory alloy wires preferably consists of a Ti-Ni series alloy exhibiting superelasticity at a normal or used temperature.

Abstract: A securing apparatus for an ankle and foot orthotic brace. The brace is used for supporting and selective immobilization of a patient's ankle and foot. The brace has a multiple part L-shaped construction with a contoured leg support portion and a foot portion having a resilient interconnecting heel portion connected therebetween. The securing apparatus includes a foot pad with aperture tabs extending therefrom and being part of the foot portion. A fabric foot engagement enclosure is provided which secures to the foot pad by a plurality of adjustable fastening straps engaged through said apertures to the aperture tabs.

Abstract: A footwrap comprising a modified tubular body of elastic material wherein the body has an ankle opening and a plurality of toe openings. The ankle opening is positioned to extend from above the heel forward along both sides of the foot just below the ankle to the top of the foot. The toe openings are positioned forward of the ankle opening so that the body envelops the foot between the ankle opening and the toe openings and exerts a predetermined compressive force to support the arch of the foot. The body is adapted to envelope the heel below the ankle opening to form a heel cup, the heel cup being positioned so that a predetermined compressive force is exerted along the bottom of the foot between the heel and the toes.

Abstract: A foot cushioning device especially adapted for use by diabetic persons suffering from a protruding joint disorder of the foot in the arch or instep region includes a thick foam pad having a notch extending into the pad from one side thereof. The pad may be positioned against the sole of a person's foot with the Charcot joint protrusion accommodated in the notch. An elastic band of non-chafing material may be secured at a first end to the lower surface of the pad by means of hooked anchoring fabric secured to the pad. The other end of the band may be wrapped around the top of the person's foot and overlapped onto the first end of the band at a location beneath the lower surface of the pad and secured in place to the band material by another swatch of the anchoring fabric provided on the overlapping end of the band.

Abstract: A sock having an elastic band is disclosed in which the band encircles an intermediate zone of the sock between the heel zone and toe zone. The band has a first edge near the heel zone and a second edge near the toe zone. The perimeter of the first edge of the band is greater than the perimeter of the second edge thereof to provide an inward taper for the band from the first edge to the second edge. The first edge of the band is attached to the intermediate zone of the sock and the second edge thereof is unattached. Further, the perimeter of the second edge of the band is substantially less than the perimeter of the intermediate zone of the sock. The arrangement is such that insertion of a wearer's foot in the sock will cause the elastic band to expand and provide support to the arch of the foot.