EP1296632B1 - Perforant vein massage device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for massaging a lower leg comprises a base pad (2) arranged in an area of the sole and a bladder (1) arranged in the region of the lower leg. A tubular connection is provided between the inner spaces of the base pad (2) and of the bladder (1). A frame (8) comprising a base part (12) and at least one side part (13, 7) projects upward from the tubular connection. The frame is mountable inside a shoe with the bladder (1) being fastened to the side part and the bladder (1) being positioned on the frame (8) in such a manner that it comes to lie above the perforating vein in the ankle area. A pressure is exerted by the bladder (1) onto the leg through the body weight applied to the base pad (2) when the foot is loaded.

Description

The invention relates to a device for massaging a lower leg according to the preamble of claim 1, comprising a bottom pad which can be arranged in the sole of a user and a bladder which can be arranged in the region of the lower leg, wherein a hose-like connection exists between the inner spaces of the bottom pad and the bladder. It further relates to a shoe with a device for massaging a lower leg according to the preamble of claim 2.

Devices for treating hypostatic leg ailments such. As varicose veins, chronic phlebitis, chronic venous insufficiency and the treatment or the prevention of thrombosis win as a result of the widespread use of such diseases more and more important. The reflux of the direction of the heart-guided blood occurring in such conditions arises as a result of the altered veins. Because these anatomical changes are irreversible, the ongoing reflux causes increased blood congestion in the injured veins of the lower leg. The congestion leads to blood transgressions from the veins into the surrounding musculature and as a result to their hardening. The increasingly hardened muscles can not exert any elastic pressure on the jammed veins and promote blood flow to the heart.

These anatomical changes result in permanent functional disorders in the form of increased fluid congestion and external swelling of the lower legs. In order to prevent or heal these functional disorders by internal or external treatment, one went to other methods such as wearing rubber stockings; Bandages and insoles, sclerotherapy and surgery, as well as infusions over.

Also are from the documents DE-OS 1955539 . FR-OS 2108764 . DE 3440638 A1 . DE 2122907 B2 and CH 618 879 A5 Devices are known which comprise the entire lower leg and massage this area by applying pressure, whereby the function of venous blood reflux is to be supported. A disadvantage of the just mentioned devices, in addition to the laborious for a patient application also that the whole lower leg is massaged, which requires a very powerful pressure source, with a correspondingly high energy consumption. A correspondingly powerful pressure source, z. As a pressure pump, due to their size or the size of their energy source, z. B. a battery, greatly restrict the freedom of movement of a patient. Also, in such devices, the period of therapeutic effect is limited by the life of the energy source.

The WO 90/09115 describes a footwear having an upper leather in which a fluid-filled bladder is arranged, which is connected via a regulator to a pump, the regulator being arranged to be a constant from the pump to maintain generated pressure in the bladder. This footwear is designed to provide optimal support and optimal support of a foot. For this reason, the bladder substantially completely encompasses the instep and ankle area of the foot. However, the constant pressure and the large-area pressure applied to the foot with this footwear can not exert a pulsating and targeted pressure on the veins that supports the blood return function.

The US 5,353,525 discloses an ankle brace that is designed to prevent an ankle injury. This ankle brace includes a frame having a "heel stirrup" having a lower portion and inner and outer side portions that are substantially parallel to a lower leg. The inner side portions comprise a vinyl air cushion sheet, such as known in the packaging art, wherein the inner portion of the outer portion is pressed against portions of the lower leg and ankle. For the treatment of hypostatic leg ailments, this ankle support is not suitable because it can not improve the blood back flow towards the heart due to design. Although a very tight application of ankle support can inhibit the flow of blood into the foot, but this has the disadvantage that it can lead to a congestion above the ankle. Therapeutically, the measure is to induce a congestion over the ankle area in hypostatic leg ailments, however, counterproductive, as this generally the dynamic pressure in the veins is increased, which can lead to increased transfer of blood from the veins into the surrounding muscle tissue.

From the US 5,366,439 A For example, there has been disclosed a sports shoe having a shallow pumping chamber in the heel region of its sole, which is connected to inflatable bladders disposed in the upper shoe so as to support the instep and ankle. In order not to generate too high pressure in the bubbles valves are provided which open when exceeding a defined pressure and allow air to escape from the bubbles. The shoe described serves to protect the foot and ankle area during sports practice. In particular, a so-called "over-knuckle" should be prevented. As with the above WO 90/09115 can also be achieved with this shoe no venous blood reflux improving effect, as due to the design no targeted pressure on veins or therapeutically useful places in the foot or ankle area is exercised.

The fact that the devices disclosed in the documents referred to in the three documents are not suitable for the treatment of hypostatic leg disorders is not least a result of the underlying task of these solutions, namely to protect the foot and ankle area, in particular when exercising or after injuries in the ankle area.

The US Pat. No. 5,348,530 discloses an ankle brace apparatus comprising two rigid side supports, on the inside of which two or more bladders can be fixed, which can be connected to a foot pump located in the heel area of the user. The foot pump is operated by normal activities such as walking and running. In this case, a fluid contained between the bubbles and the foot pump is reciprocated, resulting in a massaging compression effect. This device is primarily for support of an injured ankle.

US Pat. No. 5,813,144 describes a hinged shoe and an inflatable cushioning support structure. The shoe with the support structure consists of a toe and heel part, the latter being hinged over a hinge in order to facilitate the putting on and taking off of the shoe. The inflatable support structure consists of a sole portion and padding for the ankle and lower leg in several places, the ankle area is left out for reasons of wearing comfort. The support structure consists of chambers which are interconnected and can be inflated by means of a pump integrated into the support structure, so that the ankle and lower leg are firmly enclosed and the user has optimal hold in the shoe.

From the WO 98/08470 For example, a device has become known which can generally be used to support limbs and in an application example as an ankle support. It includes a rigid shell, which can be connected to a cushion structure and strapped to the lower leg by means of straps. The cushion structure consists of cells of different shape, size and thickness in order to ensure locally matched best comfort. The bowl and cushion combination can also be designed as a sealed bladder and the bowl combined with a bladder in the heel area of the user acting as a pump. When the user loads the bladder in the heel area, it causes a massaging effect on the lower leg.

A device and a shah according to the preamble of claim 1 and 2 is made GB-A-2 144 620 known.

An object of the present invention is to support the physiological, functional tasks of the leg-blood-draining leg and avoid the drawbacks of the above-referenced devices.

This object is achieved with a device of the type mentioned in the present invention that a usable in the interior of a shoe holding element is provided with a bottom part and at least one upwardly projecting from this side part, on the side part, the bubble is fixed and the bubble on the Retaining element is arranged such that it comes to lie in use in the ankle area exclusively over the point at which a vena perforantis on the posterior ankle inside emerges under the muscles.

The support of the blood backflow in the legs takes place in a generic shoe in that in the side of the shoe located on the lower leg side of the shoe, the bladder is fixed and the bladder is positioned in the shoe so that it comes to lie exclusively over the site when used in the ankle area where a vena perforantis protrudes on the posterior ankle below the muscles.

The vena perforantis, due to its effect as a valve for blood backflow in the leg area, is of particular importance. For many vein complaints a failure of this valve function is the cause. Supporting the vena perforantis by exerting a rhythmic pressure, in synchrony with the walking motion, to act as a return valve in its task can lead to a decisive alleviation of venous complaints in the leg area. Also in the prophylaxis of venous disease, it proves useful, the vena perforantis; through rhythmic pressure; to assist in their function.

In order to achieve a rapid and complete regeneration of the floor cushion, a favorable embodiment is that in the bottom cushion a resilient placeholder is included, which increases the work volume in the bottom cushion when relieving the foot and causes a collapse of the bubble correlated to the volume displacement.

Good mechanical properties are achieved by the fact that the resilient placeholder consists of open-pore foam.

An advantageous embodiment is that the bladder, the bottom cushion and the hose-like connecting piece between them are made in one piece.

In order to facilitate the attachment of the bladder to the frame, it proves to be beneficial that on the bladder and / or the hose-like connecting piece, on their surfaces facing away from the foot, a bag is attached, which can accommodate the side part.

A favorable embodiment is that the side part is formed as projecting from the bottom part upwardly U-shaped bracket.

A space-saving stowage of the device is made possible in that the side part is folded down.

In order to be able to adjust the pressure in the bladder, an advantageous embodiment is that a fluid is introduced into the bladder, into the bottom cushion and into the hose-like connecting piece via a valve which is located on the side of the bladder facing away from the foot. or can be omitted.

For fixing the bladder, it proves to be favorable that in the upper region of the side part a bore for receiving the valve and thus for fixing the bladder on the frame is provided.

In order to have a great freedom in the design, it proves to be favorable that both the bladder and the bottom pad and the hose-like connection between them made of plastic material verschiebverschweißbaren.

The fixation of the frame on the leg is facilitated by the fact that the frame is provided with a, attached in the upper part of the side part, elastic band which is fastened to the lower leg with a closure.

Fig. 1

vereinfacht ein Gestell in perspektivischer Ansicht mit daran befestigten Elementen Blase, Bodenpolster und schlauchartige Verbindung;

Fig. 2

einen senkrechten Schnitt entlang der Längsachse durch einen Schuh, in den eine Blase, ein Bodenpolster und eine schlauchartige Verbindung integriert ist;

Fig. 3

schematisch ein Gestell mit umlegbaren Bügel, wie in Fig. 1 dargestellt, wobei in der Abbildung das Befestigungsband nicht dargestellt ist;

Fig.4

ein Gestell, wie in Fig. 3 dargestellt, mit daran befestigter Blase, Druckpolster und schlauchartiger Verbindung.

With reference to some examples and the associated figures, the invention will be explained below. In the figures show:

Fig. 1

simplifies a frame in perspective view with attached elements bubble, floor cushion and hose-like connection;

Fig. 2

a vertical section along the longitudinal axis through a shoe, in which a bubble, a bottom cushion and a hose-like connection is integrated;

Fig. 3

schematically a frame with foldable strap, as shown in Figure 1, wherein in the figure, the fastening tape is not shown.

Figure 4

a frame, as shown in Fig. 3, with attached bubble, pressure pad and hose-like connection.

Fig. 1 shows an advantageous embodiment of the invention, as it can be used in therapeutic practice. The physiologically significant effect is based on a bladder 1, which is located above the vena perforantis. It is crucial for the success of the therapy that the bladder is above the point where the vena perforantis on the posterior ankle bone protrudes under the muscles. Only when the bubble is positioned above this location can the desired effect be achieved. The positioning is done by individual adjustment of the frame 8 to the respective foot. In order to achieve a fixation against lateral slippage, the valve 9, which is located on the side facing away from the foot of the bladder, through a hole which is located in the upper region of the side part 13 of the frame 8, inserted. This design causes the bladder 1 to be held in place. Clinical trials have shown that rhythmic - dynamic pressure exertion on the vena perforantis provides the greatest therapeutic benefit. For this reason, the pressure is generated via a, located in the heel area, bottom pad 2, which is compressed in the rhythm of the walking movement by the body weight. For better regeneration of the bottom pad 2 during the relief phase of the foot, the whole volume range of the pad is gefiillt with a spongiosem material 4, z. As an open-cell foam with high elasticity. The bottom cushion 4 is above a hose-like connector 3, which in the illustrated embodiment has the shape of a wide tube which divides after a few centimeters into two strands and then reunited, in conjunction with the bladder 1. The shown in Fig. 1 Shape of the connecting piece 3 has the advantage that thereby a recess in the ankle area is formed, and caused by the pressure transfer from the bottom pad 2 to the bladder 1 no pressure on the ankle. An installation of the entire device in a shoe is also facilitated by this special shape of the connecting piece 3. The expansion of the pressure pad 2, during the discharge phase of the foot, leads to a displacement of the working volume of the bladder 1 to the bottom pad 2, whereby a collapse of the bladder 1 is caused. The substance which is displaced in the system of the floor pad / connector bladder is a fluid. The bottom cushion 2 is glued in the illustrated arrangement on the bottom of the frame 8.

In order to optimize the fixation of the stand 8 on the foot, a partially elastic band 10, which is placed around the lower leg, is attached to the stand. In order to avoid discomfort to the wearer of the device, resulting from the pressure of swollen veins and not to hinder the heart-directed blood return, the ligament is designed to be resilient to venous pressure. The adaptation to different lower leg diameter takes place in the illustration shown in Fig. 1 via a hook and loop fastener. But there are also other not too space-consuming closures conceivable.

In Fig. 2 is a shoe 5 with an integrated therapy unit consisting of a bottom cushion in the heel area 2, which is filled with an open-pored elastic material 4, as well as a bladder 1 which is placed over the vena perforantis and a hose-like connecting part 3, shown. The integration of the therapy unit in a shoe has the advantage that a creation and adjustment of the frame 8 is omitted and only the shoe must be tightened. This makes it much easier for frail patients to put on the therapy unit. The positioning of the individual elements must be carried out individually during installation in the shoe, according to the respective foot. The use of such a shoe in the leisure sector appears useful in many ways. So can with longer foot marches, as z. For example, when visiting cities, the venous system can assist and fatigue symptoms can be prevented. Even with longer flights is a support of blood flow back from the legs in the direction of the heart, by wearing such shoes in conjunction with simple exercises, such. B. up and teetering the soles, possible:

In Fig. 3, a frame 8 is shown, in which the side part 7 is formed as a U-shaped bracket. The side part 7 can be folded so that it comes to lie flat on the bottom part of the frame 8. This measure facilitates the transport of the frame or allows a simple and space-saving stowage. If it is not therapeutically necessary to carry the device permanently, it can easily be stowed in a bag and put it in case of need.

4 shows a frame 8, as shown in Figure 3, attached thereto bubble 1, bottom pad 2 and hose-like connector 3, wherein on the foot facing away from surfaces of bubble 1 and hose-like connector 3, a bag 6 is attached, which can accommodate the formed as a bracket side part 7. The bladder 1 and the hose-like connection piece 3 are fastened to the frame 8 with the pocket 6 located on the outer surfaces of the two parts by pulling the pocket 6 over the side part 7. The bag 6 is constructed so that the side part 7 fits completely and snugly. The bag 6 is made of a tear-resistant, non-elastic and Folienverweißbaren plastic. Due to the structure just described, the assembly of the device is substantially simplified. The bladder 1, the bottom pad 2 and the tubular connector 3 can thus be transported separately from the frame 8 and easily stowed.

Claims (12)

1. Apparatus for massaging a lower leg, with a base cushion (2) adapted to be positioned in the area of the sole of a user's foot and a bubble (1) that can be arranged in the area of the lower leg, and with a tubular connection (3) existing between the inner spaces of the base cushion (2) and the bubble (1); with exactly one bubble (1) being provided, and an exertion of pressure of the bubble on the leg taking place only on one side of the lower leg due to the bodyweight acting on the base cushion (2) during foot activity, characterised in that a retaining element (8), which can be inserted into the inside of a shoe, with a base section (12) and at least one side frame (7, 13), extending from this upwards, is provided, the bubble (1) being fixed to said side frame and the bubble (I) being arranged on the retaining element (8) in such a way that when it is used in the area of the ankle it comes to be lying exclusively over the place at which a perforating vein is emerging under the muscles on the back inner side of the ankle.
2. Shoe with apparatus for massaging a calf muscle, with a base cushion (2) located in the area of the sole of a user's foot and a bubble (1) located in the area of the calf, such that between the inner spaces of the base cushion (2) and the bubble there is a tubular connection (3); exactly one bubble (1) is provided and, at the emergence of the foot because of the bodyweight acting on the base cushion (2), there takes place an exertion of force of the bubble (1) on the leg only on one side of the calf, characterised in that the bubble (1) is fixed on one of the side frames of the shoe (5) located on the calf inner side, and the bubble is positioned in the shoe in such a way that when it is used in the ankle area it comes to be lying exclusively over the place at which a perforating vein is emerging on the back ankle inner side under the muscles.
3. Item according to one of the claims 1 or 2, characterised in that on the base cushion (2) an elastic placeholder (4) is included, which, at being unburdened by the foot, enlarges the operating volume in the base cushion and effects a collapse in the bubble (1) correlative to the volume displacement.
4. Item according to claim 3, characterised in that the elastic placeholder consists of open-pored foam.
5. Item according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the bubble (1), the base cushion (2) and the tubular connecting piece (3) are between themselves made of one piece of material.
6. Item according to claim 5 relating back to claim 1, characterised in that a pocket (6), which can be accommodated by the side frame (7) of the retaining element (8), is installed on the bubble (1) and/or the tubular connecting piece (3), on their surfaces facing away from the foot.
7. Item according to claim 1 or one of the claims 3 to 6 relating back to claim 1, characterised in that the side frame (7) of the retaining element (8) is designed as a U-shaped yoke sticking upwards out of the base section (12).
8. Item according to claim 1 or one of the claims 3 to 7 relating back to claim 1, characterised in that the side frame (7) of the retaining element (8) is stowable.
9. Item according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterised in that a fluid can be let into or out of the bubble (1), the base cushion (2) and the tubular connecting piece (3) by a valve (9) which can be found on the opposite side of the bubble (1) to the foot.
10. Item according to claim 1 or one of the claims 3 to 9 relating back to claim 1, characterised in that in the upper area of the side frame (7) of the retaining element (8) there is provided a hole (14) for accommodating the valve (9) and with it for fixing the bubble (1) to the retaining element (8).
11. Item according to one of the claims 1 to 10, characterised in that both the bubble (1) as well as the base cushion (2) and the tubular connection (3) between them consist of foil-sealable plastic.
12. Item according to claim 1 or one of the claims 3 to 11 relating back to claim 1, characterised in that the retaining element (8) is provided with an elastic band (10) attached in the upper area of the side frame (7) of the retaining element (8), which can be affixed to the calf with a fastener.

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