AU2005203587A1 - Orthotic device - Google Patents
Orthotic device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2005203587A1 AU2005203587A1 AU2005203587A AU2005203587A AU2005203587A1 AU 2005203587 A1 AU2005203587 A1 AU 2005203587A1 AU 2005203587 A AU2005203587 A AU 2005203587A AU 2005203587 A AU2005203587 A AU 2005203587A AU 2005203587 A1 AU2005203587 A1 AU 2005203587A1
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- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- wearer
- strap
- heel
- heel cup
- flexible
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Description
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AUSTRALIA
Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention title: Orthotic Device The invention is described in the following statement: 7454110 2.DOC
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o Orthotic Device Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an orthotic device. In particular, it relates to a device for treatment of a person suffering a disorder or injury to the ankle or structures adjacent the ankle.
00 rBackground of the Invention 0In this specification where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or o discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of 0 knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of the common general knowledge or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve a problem with which this specification is concerned.
While the present invention will be described with particular reference to treatment of the disorder known as Achilles heel or more correctly Achilles tendonitis, the invention is not so limited but relates more generally to treatment of disorders or injuries to the ankle and adjoining structures.
The ankle is anatomically complex and injuries to the ankle and adjoining structures such as the heel and Achilles tendon are common. Common disorders afflicting this area include Achilles tendonitis, heel fracture or a heel spur, apophysitis (a disturbance in the growth centre of the heel bone), damage to the tendons and/or tendon sheaths, bone malformation and diseases including arthritis. The Achilles tendon is one of the longest and strongest tendons in the body but it is particularly vulnerable to chronic injury because it has one of the lowest blood supplies of any tendon. Once inflamed or ruptured, the Achilles tendon is difficult to repair due to the low blood supply.
The Achilles tendon inserts on the posterior aspect of the heel and runs to the middle third of the posterior aspect of the tibia in concert with two large muscles (the gastrocnemius and the soleus). Together they are responsible for plantar flexion of the foot during propulsion, such as running, jumping or walking.
Traditionally, disorders of the ankle and adjoining structures have been treated by immobilising the joint and reducing weight bearing activity such as standing or walking.
Some disorders such as Achilles tendonitis also require that the rear portion of the heel o bone is protected from impacts that may aggravate the disorder. This type of treatment is typically consists of applying a rigid cast to the joint and the treatment, often for very long time periods.
However, rigid casts can he uncomfortable to wear and may irritate the wearer's skin., Rigid casts are also designed to reduce the amount of weight borne on the ankle and are 00 concomitantly difficult to wear when walking. Accordingly, attempts have been made to Vn Mn create casts and other appliances that promote healing yet are comfortable to wear.
In U.S. patent 4,294,238 relates to a removable device for assisting and relaxing leg muscles o during and after physical activity. However, the device is not adapted for use in the' recuperation or rehabilitation of heel and ankle disorders, provides no support about. the ankle of the user, and does not protect vulnerable parts of the heel and ankle from imipact.
Furthermore the device includes an elastic strap that extends from adjacent the wearer's sole directly over the rear of the user's heel and could exacerbate certain heel disorders such as apophysitis.
US patent 5,843,010 relates to a removable device for facilitating the healing of the heel and/or anle. The device comprises a pliable heel cup and a pair of selectively adjuktable support straps that extend from the sides of the heel cup to an upper fastening means encircling the calf immediately below the knee. Each of the support straps can be adjusted for custom fit to the wearer's ankle or unfastened for removal of the device.
Achilles tendoniti's is often treated using shin splint compression wraps which apply gentle pressure on soft tissue next to the tibia, helping to prevent additional tearing of the soft tissue away from the tibia. Compression reduces additional damage, alleviates pain' and enhances the healing process. However, wraps around the shin do not protect the vulnerable area where the tendon attaches to the heel bone.
The present invention relates to a device of novel construction for treatment and protection of the ankle and adjacent structures. Jn particular, the present invention provides a device that is straightforward to manufacture and particularly simple to apply and remove from a patient compared with devices of the prior art.
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o Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a device for use in the treatment of injuries or disorders of the ankle and adjacent structures, the device including: a flexible sock comprising a heel cup for receiving a wearer's heel, a sole portion for engaging the sole of the wearer's foot, and an upper portion for engaging the wearer's midfoot; 00 a first leg binding which in use encircles a leg of the wearer adjacent the knee; o a strap elasticised along at least part of its length, one end of the strap being secured to ttn the heel cup of the flexible sock, the other end of the strap being secured to the first leg 0 O binding; and a second leg binding which in use encircles the leg of the wearer adjacent the ankle.
In use, the flexible sock provides support for tendons and tendon sheaths located beneath the upper surface of the heel cup of the foot. The sock must be sufficiently flexible that it does not unduly restrict movement of the wearer's foot or ankle when exercising and walking.
In one embodiment, the flexible sock leaves the toes exposed while encircling the midfoot (that is, the navicular, cuboid and three cuneiform bones). In another, alternative embodiment of the present invention the flexible sock encloses the wearer's toes.
In a preferred embodiment the upper portion of the flexible sock is adjustable. For example, the upper portion may include adjustable straps or tapes, preferably constructed of the hook and loop fastener known as VelcroTM.
The heel cup cushions and protects the wearer's heel yet allows the wearer to maintain mobility. Preferably, the heel cup of the flexible sock is custom fitted to the wearer's heel.
The heel cup, and optionally the sole portion of the flexible sock may include cushion to achieve a snug fit. The heel cup may also include a rigid shell shaped to the contours of the wearer's heel in order to provide enhanced protection and support. The cushion or rigid shell are typically removable inserts into the flexible sock.
The heel cup, upper portion and sole portion of the flexible sock may be integral. For example, they may be sewn or adhered together. The heel cup, upper portion and sole portion may be made of the same or different material. Preferably, they are made of flexible material such as polymeric rubberized material, polypropylene or polyurethane.
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O The flexible sock may consist of layers of different material. In a preferred embodiment, tb the upper portion is comprised of polymeric material such as flexible rubberized material, Z polypropylene or polyurethane while the exterior of the sole portion comprises a non-slip material to assist traction and avoid slipping when the wearer walks. For example, the sole portion may comprise flexible material coated with synthetic rubber having a raised 'pattern to improve the non-slip characteristics of the coating.
00 MO Typically, the flexible sock stimulates blood flow to the wearer's foot so the natural N recuperative functions of the body are stimulated. Preferably, the flexible sock has thermo- O therapeutic properties, that is, it keeps the enclosed tissue warm so that blood flow, and thus i 10 healing is stimulated.
The first and second leg bindings provide gentle pressure on soft tissue next to the tibia, resisting further tearing of soft tissue from the tibia and enhancing the healing process.
The principal function of the first leg binding is to provide an anchor point on the wearer's leg for one end of the strap.
The first leg binding may be of any convenient length and width. Preferably, the first leg binding can be adjusted to ensure a snug fit around the leg, just beneath the knee, so that the device does not move or become displaced when the wearer moves.
The first leg binding is typically constructed of flexible material that does not unduly restrict movement of the wearer's foot or ankle. The leg binding may comprise the same material as the flexible sock, or it may comprise different material. Preferably it can be held closed by hook and loop material fastening such as VelcroTM The strap may comprise elastic material along its entire length that allows stretching in a longitudinal direction. Alternatively, it may comprise elastic material along part of its length.
In use, the strap extends from the heel cup of the flexible sock, adjacent the back of the wearer's heel. Preferably, the strap is integral with the heel cup and is typically attached by adhesive or stitching.
The other end of the strap may be integral with the first leg binding, but preferably the end is removably attached to the first leg binding by hook and loop material fastening such as VelcroTM. In another embodiment, the strap is removably attached to the leg binding by a
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:TM
O device such as a buckle, or plastic loop. The end of the binding may include VelcroTM so that cTM it can be passed through the plastic loop and fastened to itself using the VelcroTM.
Preferably, the strap is adjustably attached to the first leg binding in such a manner that the length of the strap can be adjusted to limit the degree that the ankle joint can be flexed.
The second leg binding is typically non-integral with the other parts of the device. Preferably 00 the second leg binding comprises a strip of material that can be wrapped around the calf held eTM oclosed by hook and loop material fastening such as VelcroTM. The second leg binding is typically positioned so as to encircle the lower third of the tibia, adjacent the ankle. Preferably Swhen the flexible sock is made ofthermo-therapeutic material the second leg binding holds the S 10 thermo-therapeutic material adjacent to the point where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heal, providing protection for this area and keeping the enclosed tissue warm so that blood flow, and healing are stimulated. Alternatively or in addition the second leg binding may be made of thermo-therapeutic material.
In a preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention can be removed from the wearer by opening the leg bindings and slipping the heal out of the heal cup. The device may be readily removed when the patient is not involved in weight bearing activities, such as when they are sleeping or bathing. This helps to avoid chaffing or formation of sores (a common problem with more rigid devices of the prior art) and allows circulation of air across the skin.
Overall the device of the present invention provides indirect support for the rear portion of the heel bone particularly at the point of attachment of the Achilles tendon to the upper rear portion of the heel bone.
Drawings The invention will now be further described with reference to the following non-limiting drawings: Figure la shows a cross sectional view of a foot and ankle located in a device according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure lb shows a perspective view of the device of Figure la, Figure Ic shows the device of Figure la removed from the wearer's foot, and Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of a foot and ankle located in a device according to another embodiment of the present invention, O Figure la shows a foot, ankle and calf located in a device (shown in cross section) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The foot is depicted in x-ray view to show the tibia the fibula the ankle (comprising the ends of the tibia and fibula, plus the talus underneath) the midfoot bones and the toe bones In this view, the foot is located within a flexible sock comprising a heel cup (10a), a sole portion (10b) running along the wearer's sole and an upper portion (l Oc) adjacent the mid- 0 t¢ foot bones.
C The first leg binding (15) encircles the upper part of the tibia and fibula The strap O (20) is attached by a plastic loop (21) to the first leg binding The loop is attached to C 10 the leg binding by a strip of material (22) secured by a hook and loop closure. One end of the strap (20a) is threaded through the loop and securely attached to itself by hook and loop fastener such as Velcro. The other end of the strap (20b) is attached by stitching to the rear of the heel cup (10a). The strap can be stretched longitudinally by virtue of a portion of elasticised material adjacent this end (20b) of the strap.
The second leg binding (24) encircles the lower part of the tibia and fibula and the end of the strap (20b) adjacent the ankle.
Figure I b shows the device of Figure l a in a perspective view, with a foot, ankle and calf located in a device. For clarity, some of the parts of the device behind the wearer's foot are depicted using broken lines.
In this view, the foot can be seen located within the flexible sock (10) comprising a heel cup (10a) and an upper portion (lOc). The sole portion (10Ob) cannot be seen in this view.
The first leg binding (15) encircles the upper part of the calf, adjacent the wearer's knee and is secured by a VelcroTM closure. The strap (20) is attached by a plastic loop (21) to the first leg binding One end of the strap (20a) is threaded through the loop and securely attached to itself by hook and loop fastener such as VelcroTM. The other end of the strap (20b) is attached by stitching to the rear of the heel cup (10a). The strap can be stretched longitudinally by virtue of a portion of elasticised material adjacent this end of the strap.
The second leg binding (24) encircles the lower part of the calf and the end of the strap (20b) adjacent the ankle and is secured by a VelcroTM closure.
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O Figure Ic shows the device of Figure la removed from the wearer's foot. In this view, it is t possible to clearly see flexible sock (10) comprising a heel cup (IOa), a sole portion (lOb) Z and an upper portion (10c). The heel cup includes a cushioned portion The first leg binding (15) includes Velcro material on the interior of one free end (15a) and the exterior of the other free end (15b) to facilitate secure closure when the device is fitted c to a wearer. The strap (20) is attached by a plastic loop (21) to the first leg binding 00 One end of the strap (20a) is threaded through the loop and securely attached to itself by 0 hook and loop fastener such as VelcroTM. The other end of the strap (20b) is attached by o stitching to the rear of the heel cup (10a). The strap can be stretched longitudinally by I 10 virtue of a portion of elasticised material adjacent this end (20b) of the strap.
The second leg binding (24) includes VelcroTM material on the interior of one free end (24a) and the exterior of the other free end (24b) to facilitate secure closure when the device is fitted to a wearer.
Figure 2 depicts a further embodiment of the device of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in Figure la in two main respects.
Firstly, the flexible sock is in the nature of a gauntlet. The flexible sock comprises a heel cup (I0a), a sole portion (10b), and an upper portion (10 Oc), the sole portion running along the entire sole of the foot to the end of the toes and the upper portion lying adjacent the toe bones as well as the mid-foot bones. In this embodiment, the sole portion (10b) may have an outer coating of non-slip polymer to aid traction during walking.
Secondly, the strap (20) is attached directly to the first leg binding (15) by a hook and loop closure. The hook material is located on the leg binding, while the loop material is located on the end of the strap. The other end of the strap (20b) is also attached by hook and loop material to the rear of the heel cup (10 a).
The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this description and in the claims does not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions.
Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.
Claims (22)
1. A device for use in the treatment of injuries or disorders of the ankle and adjacent structures, the device including; a flexible sock comprising a heel cup for receiving a wearer's heel, a sole portion for OO In engaging the sole of the wearer's foot, and an upper portion for engaging the wearer's midfoot; O a first leg binding which in use encircles a leg of the wearer adjacent the knee; O a strap elasticised along at least part of its length, one end of the strap being secured to O N the heel cup of the flexible sock, the other end of the strap being secured to the first leg binding; and a second leg binding which in use encircles the leg of the wearer adjacent the ankle.
2. A device according to claim I wherein in use the flexible sock leaves the toes of a wearer exposed while encircling the midfoot of the wearer.
3. A device according to claim 1 wherein in use the flexible encloses the toes of a wearer.
4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper portion of the flexible sock is adjustable.
A device according to claim 5 wherein the upper portion of the flexible sock can be adjusted by straps or tapes.
6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the heel cup includes a rigid shell shaped to the contours of the heel of a wearer.
7. A device according to claim 7 wherein the heel cup includes a cushion.
8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the heel cup, upper portion and sole portion of the flexible sock are integral.
9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the heel cup, upper portion and sole portion are made of the same material. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the heel cup, upper portion and sole portion are independently chosen from different materials.
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11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein any one or more of the heel cup, upper portion and sole portion are constructed of layers of material.
12. A device according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the heel cup, upper portion and sole portion are constructed of flexible materials chosen from the group consisting of polymeric rubberized material, polypropylene, polyurethane or combinations 00 thereof. t-)
13. A device according to any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the exterior of the sole portion comprises a non-slip material.
14. A device according to any one of the preceding claims which is manufactured in part or in whole of material having thermo-therapeutic properties.
A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the strap and the first leg binding are constructed of flexible material that does not unduly restrict movement of the wearer's foot or ankle.
16. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the strap comprises elastic material along at least part of its length, the elastic material allowing stretching in a longitudinal direction.
17. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the end of the strap adjacent the heel cup of the flexible sock is removably attached by hook and loop fastening material.
18. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the end of the strap secured to the first leg binding is removably secured by a buckle, or plastic loop.
19. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the length of the strap is adjustable to limit the degree that the ankle joint can be flexed.
A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second leg binding is not integral with the other parts of the device.
21. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible sock is made of thermo-therapeutic material and in use the second leg binding holds the thermo- in O therapeutic material adjacent to the point where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heal of the Wearer.
22. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein in use the device provides support for the rear portion of the heel bone of a wearer particularly at the point of attachment of the Achilles tendon to the upper rear portion of the heel bone. 00 S23. A device according to claim I and substantially as herein described with reference to othe drawings. SUnited Pacific Industries Pty Ltd 11 August 2005
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2005203587A AU2005203587A1 (en) | 2004-08-12 | 2005-08-11 | Orthotic device |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2004904574A AU2004904574A0 (en) | 2004-08-12 | Orthotic device | |
| AU2004904574 | 2004-08-12 | ||
| AU2005203587A AU2005203587A1 (en) | 2004-08-12 | 2005-08-11 | Orthotic device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2005203587A1 true AU2005203587A1 (en) | 2006-03-02 |
Family
ID=36096833
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2005203587A Abandoned AU2005203587A1 (en) | 2004-08-12 | 2005-08-11 | Orthotic device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2005203587A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RU2495649C1 (en) * | 2012-03-06 | 2013-10-20 | Николай Георгиевич Бычков | Semirigid corset |
-
2005
- 2005-08-11 AU AU2005203587A patent/AU2005203587A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RU2495649C1 (en) * | 2012-03-06 | 2013-10-20 | Николай Георгиевич Бычков | Semirigid corset |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK1 | Application lapsed section 142(2)(a) - no request for examination in relevant period |