GB2464309A - Insole having a resilient heel insert - Google Patents

Insole having a resilient heel insert Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2464309A
GB2464309A GB0818633A GB0818633A GB2464309A GB 2464309 A GB2464309 A GB 2464309A GB 0818633 A GB0818633 A GB 0818633A GB 0818633 A GB0818633 A GB 0818633A GB 2464309 A GB2464309 A GB 2464309A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
subject
resilient member
insole
foot
insole according
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0818633A
Other versions
GB0818633D0 (en
Inventor
Charles Byrne
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust
Original Assignee
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust filed Critical Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust
Priority to GB0818633A priority Critical patent/GB2464309A/en
Publication of GB0818633D0 publication Critical patent/GB0818633D0/en
Publication of GB2464309A publication Critical patent/GB2464309A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
    • A43B17/02—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined wedge-like or resilient
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/38—Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/38—Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process
    • A43B13/40—Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process with cushions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/141—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form having an anatomical or curved form
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/144—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the heel, i.e. the calcaneus bone
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1455—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties
    • A43B7/1463—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties with removable pads to allow custom fit
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1455—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties
    • A43B7/1464—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties with adjustable pads to allow custom fit
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1455—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties
    • A43B7/1464—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties with adjustable pads to allow custom fit
    • A43B7/1467—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties with adjustable pads to allow custom fit adjustable by resilient members, e.g. springs

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

An insole for the treatment of plantar fasciitis is provided, the insole comprising a heel portion 8 for extending between the heel of a subject and the inner sole of a shoe being worn by the subject; wherein the heel portion comprises a first layer 20 of a first material having a first density and a first resilience and a resilient member comprising a second layer 30 of a second material having a second density and a second resilience, the resilient member being disposed within the first layer, the first density being greater than the second density and the second resilience being greater than the first resilience. The second layer 30, or insert, may be removable. In use, the resilient member is deformed by compression from its rest condition by the load applied by the heel of the subject, the resilient member returning to its rest condition upon release of the load with sufficient force to exercise the Achilles tendon of the subject. The resilient member is preferably removable. A method of treating plantar fasciitis using a resilient member is also described.

Description

I
INSOLE
The present invention relates to an insole for use in a shoe or other item of footwear, in particular to an insole for use in the alleviation or treatment of plantar fasciitis.
Pta ntar fasciitis is a common ailment, causing significant pain and discomfort to the feet of sufferers. Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue extending along the plantar surface of the foot from the calcaneus or heel bone along the sole of the foot to the metatarsal bones in the toes. The plantar fascia acts to stabilise the foot during movement, in particular walking and running. Inflammation of the plantar fasciitis may be caused by overuse, for example as a result of excessive standing, walking or running, and is particularly common in the elderly and the overweight. Inflammation of the plantar fascia generally occurs in the region of the heel, in particular the portion of the plantar fascia adjacent the connection with the calcaneus. In severe cases, the plantar fascia can be sufficiently overstretched as to tear away from the calcaneus.
Plantar fasciitis may affect up to one in ten people and is considered to be the major cause of inferior heel pain in subjects.
Plantar fasciitis may be effectively treated by extensive periods of rest, during which the affected foot is not used. However, for practical reasons, this a...
form of treatment is not suitable for many sufferers of the ailment.
Accordingly, a variety of devices have been proposed for treating plantar *...
S....' fasciitis and aiding in the recovery of the subject. S* * S.
Typically, the plantar fascia tightens during periods of non-use, in particular at night when the subject is sleeping. As a result of this tightening, the subject experiences significant soreness and pain when the foot is first used. To alleviate the tightening of the plantar fascia during periods of rest and sleep, it is known to provide the subject with a splint to hold the plantar fascia in a stretched position while at rest. Such so-called night splints' are commonly used and represent one of the most effective means for alleviating the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Examples of such splints are disclosed in US 2007/142759 A and US 5,776,090. However, the night splint is not effective in addressing the causes of plantar fasciitis, in particular while the subject is moving or otherwise using the affected foot.
US 6,31 5,786 discloses a device for treating heel pain, in particular pain associated with plantar fasciitis. The device comprises a flexible heel cup shoe insert for placing in the shoe of a subject. The insert comprises a bar-shaped member extending laterally across the bottom sole portion of the insert and positioned such that, in use, the member extends under the heel-arch connection of the foot of the subject. The member applies continuous pressure to the calcaneus-midtarsal connecting tissue of the foot and is said to afleviate pain.
An adjustable arch support orthosis is disclosed in US 6,966,131. The adjustable orthosis comprises a curved arch supporting portion and means * 20 are provided to tension the curved arch support. The tensioning means are adjustable, allowing the user to vary the angles of the respective slopes of the I...
support. The orthosis is said to be of use in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. **.. * S ****
An orthotic for the treatment of plantar fasciitis is also described in US 6,393,736. The orthotic comprises an arch brace with an adjustable arch S...
curve having a plurality of extensions separated by incisions, in turn providing . .: the brace with multiple resiliently cantilevered extensions. The extensions adjust the height and slopes of the arch curve to the foot of the user during each strike of the foot. A tensioning means is also provided to allow adjustment of the shape of the arch curve.
In general, significant attention has been paid to the support and manipulation of the arch of the foot of a sufferer of plantar fasciitis, with a view to alleviating the pain and other symptoms. In contrast, there has been little attention paid to the heel area of the foot and possible treatments of plantar fasciitis at the heel.
US 5,369,896 discloses a sports shoe incorporating an elastic insert in the heel. The insert is enclosed in an airtight casing within a wedge arranged on the sole of the shoe. The insert comprises elements that are elastically deformable under pressure and is located in a position corresponding to the heel of the foot of a person wearing the shoe. There is no suggestion that the shoe is useful in the treatment of any ailments of the foot, in particular plantar fasciitis.
An insole with a shock-absorbing function is disclosed in WO 2008/075820. The insole comprises a bottom plate and a shock-absorbing member for absorbing shocks applied to the insole by the load applied during walking. The shock-absorbing member is formed integrally with a bottom surface of a heel portion of the bottom plate. In alternative embodiments, the shock-absorbing member comprises one or a plurality of springs, in particular coiled springs. The insole is intended to reduce the fatigue experienced by a 5'..
user. There is also a suggestion that the insole may have be of advantage to subjects suffering from muscular skeletal diseases. However, no further S...
details are given in this regard. SS.* * 25 S...
There is a need for an improved device for treating plantar fasciitis. It would be most advantageous if the device could be easy to manufacture. It would be further advantageous if the device could be tailored to a particular subject, in particular to meet their physical form and apply the appropriate treatment for the subject's condition.
According to the present invention, there is provided, in a first aspect, an insole for the treatment of plantar fasciitis, the insole comprising: a heel portion for extending between the heel of a subject and the inner sole of a shoe being worn by the subject; wherein the heel portion comprises a first layer of a first material having a first density and a first resilience and a resilient member comprising a second layer of a second material having a second density and a second resilience, the resilient member being disposed within the first layer, the first density being greater than the second density and the second resilience being greater than the first resilience, whereby, in use, the resilient member is deformed by compression from its rest condition by the load applied by the heel of the subject, the resilient member returning to its rest condition upon release of the load with sufficient force to exercise the achilles tendon of the subject.
The insole of the present invention is inserted into a shoe of the subject. In this respect, references herein to a shoe' are to be understood to be references to all forms of footwear with which an insole may be used.
The insole may extend the full length of the foot of the subject.
Alternatively, the insole may be a partial insole, extending from the heel of the foot across the arch and terminating short of the ends of the toes of the subject. This partial insole may be preferred, as it may be easier to size and fit to the foot of the subject. *. S. * 25
The insole comprises a heel portion that extends under the heel of the subject, between the calcaneus and the inner sole of the shoe in which the insole is fitted. The heel portion comprises a first layer of material having a first density and a first resilience. A resilient member comprising a second layer of material is disposed within the first, the material of the second layer having a second density and a second resilience. The density of the material forming the first layer is greater than the density of the material forming the second, while the resilience of the material of the second layer is greater than the resilience of the material of the first layer. Thus, in use, the second layer is biased by its resilience, when compressed by the foot of the user, to return to its uncompressed condition, thus applying a force to the foot of the user.
The first material is a relatively more dense material, having a higher density than that of the second material. The first material has a low resilience or, depending upon the material in question, little to no resilience.
The first material may be a foamed material that is easy to form and provide sufficient comfort for the subject when being used. The resilience of such a foamed material will be determined by such factors as the extent of foaming and the volume of air or other gas retained within the foamed material.
Suitable materials for use in forming the first layer are known in the art and are commercially available. Suitable materials include polymers, in particular thermoplastic polymers that may be easily moulded. Examples of suitable materials include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Particularly suitable EVA materials are available commercially under the name AIgeosTM from A. Algeo Limited.
The density of the material of the first layer may be any that is suitable * *** for forming the insole. Preferably, the density of the first layer is from 100 kg/rn3 to 700 kg/rn3, more preferably from 250 to 600 kg/rn3. S...
S
S. SSS* * 25 The material of the first layer may have any suitable hardness.
Preferably, the material of the first layer has a hardness in the range of from *:*. 15 to 70 Shore A, more preferably from 20 to 40 Shore A. The second material is relatively less dense than the first material. The second material is a compressible material having a high resilience. In particular, the material, when compressed by the heel of the subject when walking or running, exerts a significant force on the heel of the subject when the load on the heel is released, that is as the heel of the foot is raised during the normal walking or running motion. The force exerted by the second material on the heel of the subject upon releasing the load is sufficient to exercise and move the foot, in particular exercising and working the achilles tendon. It has been found that this action is particularly effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Suitable materials for use in the second layer are known in the art and are commercially available. Examples of suitable materials include polymers, in particular polyurethanes. Foamed polyurethanes are particularly preferred materials for use in forming the second layer. Particularly suitable urethanes are those marketed under the name PoronTM, available commercially from Rogers Corporation.
The density of the material of the resilient member may be any suitable density, that is less than the density of the material of the first layer.
Preferably, the density of the material of the second layer is in the range of from 100 to 600 kg/rn3, more preferably from 200 to 500 kg/rn3.
The hardness of the material of the resilient member is less than that of the material of the first layer, as the material of the resilient member is more resilient. Preferably, the material of the resilient member has a hardness of from 12 to 70 Shore 0, more preferably from 15 to 60 Shore 0. a.
The physical properties of a most suitable polyurethane material * 25 available under the PoronTM name are described in PoronTM Orthoses Absorb * Mechanical Stress', Birke, J.A, et al., Biomechanics Magazine, November, *a*.
*:*. 1997.
The resilient member is disposed within the first layer of material. In general, the substantial parts of the insole are preferably formed by the first layer, in the same manner as conventional insoles are formed. The resilient member extends within the heel portion of the insole, so as to lie between the heel of the subject and the inner sole of the shoe being worn. The resilient member may take any suitable form. The resilient member preferably extends laterally across the entire heel portion of the insole, so as to underlie the entire width of the calcaneus of the subject. The resilient member may have any suitable thickness. The thickness of the resilient member may be determined by such factors as the nature of the second material being used and the condition of the subject to be treated. In one preferred embodiment, the resilient member has a tapered form, the resilient member being thickest in the rear region of the heel portion, that is the region of the heel portion distal from the toes of the subject, when the insole is in use. In this preferred embodiment, the thickness of the resilient member decreases in the forwards direction, that is the direction of the toes of the insole as used. The taper may be of any suitable form and is preferably uniform. A preferred form for the resilient member is substantially wedge-shaped.
The resilient member may extend any suitable distance along the insole. The resilient member most preferably extends along the entire length of the heel portion, so as to underlie the entire calcaneus of the subject, when in use. The resilient member may extend so as to underlie the arch of the foot *... of the subject, when in use. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient member 1 terminates at the region of the junction between the heel and the arch of the foot of the subject. a.
* 25 The resilient member may be an integral or fixed component of the ** insole. However, in one preferred arrangement, the resilient member is S...
*.: removable from the insole. In this way, the resilient member may be interchanged with another, for example to modify the resilient properties of the second layer and the action of the insole. Further, when the treatment of plantar fasciitis has been concluded, the resilient member may be removed and replaced with an appropriate layer of the first material, thus providing the subject with a conventional insole for regular use.
The insole may have any suitable overall shape and configuration, as required by the foot of the subject. Preferably, in addition to the construction of the heel portion described hereinbefore, the insole is also provided with portions having curved surfaces so as to provide support for one, more preferably both, of the medial and transverse arches of the foot of the subject.
The insole of the present invention has a simple construction that is easily manufactured in large numbers using conventional and well known techniques. However, in one preferred embodiment, the insole of the present invention is tailored to the foot of the subject and to the nature of the plantar fasciitis condition suffered by the subject. In particular, the insole of the present invention allows the resilient member to be formed to provide the action most appropriate for treatment of the foot of the subject.
As noted above, the resilient member may be removable from the insole. Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention provides an insole comprising: *:*:.,* a heel portion for extending between the heel of the foot of a subject
S
and the inner sole of a shoe, when in use; wherein the heel portion comprises a removable resilient member. *SS*
S
*S..S.
* 25 The features of the insole and the resilient member are as hereinbefore e... described.
ISIS S. * * * * * S.
As noted above, the insole is effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis by way of the action of the insole, in particular the action of the resilient member, to exercise and work the achilles tendon of the subject during walking and running.
Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a subject suffering from plantar fasciitis, the method comprising: providing a resilient member in the footwear of the subject, the resilient member underlying at least a portion of the calcaneus of the foot of the subject; and causing the subject to walk; whereby the action of the subject loading and unloading the resilient member in the footwear causes the resilient member to apply a force to the calcaneus of the foot of the subject, thereby exercising the achilles tendon.
As noted above, the resilient member is conveniently and most preferably provided by way of an insole to be disposed between the plantar surface of the foot of the subject and the inner sole of the footwear. As also noted, the resilient member is preferably constructed to be removable from the footwear or insole, in particular to allow the resilient member to be tailored to the condition of the subject.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: * S.. * S S...
Figure 1 is a plan view of an insole according to the present invention; S... and
S.....
* 25 Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the insole of Figure 1 along the I. * . uIfl -0**S a. . a * S a.
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a plan view of an insole according to the present invention, generally indicated as 2. The insole 2 comprises a toe portion 4, a central portion 6 and a heel portion 8. In use, the insole 2 is inserted in a shoe to be worn by a subject suffering from plantar fasciitis.
When properly oriented in the shoe, the insole is positioned such that the tow portion 4 underlies the toes of the subject, the central portion 6 underlies the central or arched portion of the subject's foot, and the heel portion 8 underlies the heel bone or calcaneus of the subject's foot. The insole 2 shown in Figure 1 is intended for use with the right foot of the subject and has an instep edge 10.
The insole 2 of Figure 1 is shown in vertical cross-section in Figure 2.
The central portion 6 is characterised by a lateral arch support member 12 having a convexly curved upper surface and extending across the width of the insole. When in use, the lateral arch support member 12 provides support for the transverse arch of the subject's foot. In a preferred embodiment, the insole 2 is tailored to the foot of the subject, such that the lateral arch support member 12 is a close fit to the surface of the transverse arch of the foot of the subject. The central portion 6 is further characterised by a longitudinal arch support member 14 having a convexly curved surface and extending longitudinally adjacent the instep edge. When in use the longitudinal arch support member 14 extends beneath and supports the medial arch of the foot of the subject. Again, the insole 2 is preferably formed with the longitudinal arch support member 14 tailored to the foot of the subject. S...
The upper surface of the heel portion 8 is formed with a concave region 16 for accepting the calcaneus of the subject's foot, when the insole is in use.
Again, the concave region 16 is most preferably formed to the shape of the * 25 heelofthefootofthesubject. *S.. * * **
As shown in Figure 2, the insole comprises a first layer 20 of a first material. The insole 2 consists in substantial part of the first layer along a substantial portion of the insole, in particular the toe portion 4 and the central portion 6. The upper and lower surfaces of the first layer 20 may be finished in any desirable manner, with such finishings being known in the art. The first layer 20 is formed from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), a range of EVA materials being well known in the art and available commercially. The EVA of the first layer has a relatively high density but a low resilience. In this way, the first layer is substantially unyielding when in use and acted upon by the foot of the subject when walking and running. Particularly preferred EVA materials are those available commercially from A. Algeo Limited, under the Algeos TM name, Other suitable materials are commercially available and are known in the art.
The heel portion 8 comprises a resilient member 30 formed as a second layer of a second material and interposed within the first layer. The resilient member 30 terminates at the heel end of the heel portion and is coterminus with the first layer in this region. The resilient member 30 extends laterally across substantially the entire width of the heel portion 8 of the insole.
The resilient portion 30 extends from the heel end longitudinally within the heel portion B and terminates in the region of the junction between the heel portion 8 and the central portion 6.
The resilient member 30 is uniformly tapered in the longitudinal direction of the insole and in the form of a wedge, with the thicker portion of the wedge being at the heel end of the resilient member 30 and the thinner * S S..... portion of the wedge being in the region of the junction between the heel portion 8 and the central portion 6 of the insole.
S
* SSS SS * 25 The resilient member 30 is formed from a material having a relatively *. high resilience, in particular a foamed polyurethane material available under the poronTM name from Rogers Corporation. Other suitable materials are commercially available and are known in the art.
In use, the subject applies a load onto the resilient member when walking and/or running through the calcaneus of the foot, in particular during the heel strike of each stride. The action of applying the load compresses the resilient member against its resilient bias, reducing the thickness of the resilient member. The compression is greatest at the heel end of the resilient member and progressively decreases in the longitudinal direction towards the toe portion. Upon releasing the load on the resilient member during the unload phase when the foot is about to be raised to take the next stride, the inherent bias in the resilient member applies a force to the calcaneus of the foot of the subject, forcing the heel of the foot to rise. This action serves to exercise the foot of the user, in particular the achilles tendon of the foot and, in turn, the plantar fascia.
The dimensions and properties of the resilient member, in particular its density and/or resilience and, in turn, the force applied to the heel of the foot of the subject during the unload phase, may be varied to meet the requirements for treating the subject.
The resilient member 30 may be removed from the heel portion 8 of the insole 2 in a longitudinal direction towards the heel end of the insole. In this way, the resilient member 30 may be replaced, for example with an alternative resilient member with different properties to modify the treatment regime for the subject or with a wedge of the first material, to form an insole of S...
conventional design. * S *
S *** * 25 *..S * S *.*. *. . * S.

Claims (13)

  1. CLAIMS1. An insole for the treatment of plantar fasciitis, the insole comprising: a heel portion for extending between the heel of a subject and the inner sole of a shoe being worn by the subject; wherein the heel portion comprises a first layer of a first material having a first density and a first resilience and a resilient member comprising a second layer of a second material having a second density and a second resilience, the resilient member being disposed within the first layer, the first density being greater than the second density and the second resilience being greater than the first resilience, whereby, in use, the resilient member is deformed by compression from its rest condition by the load applied by the heel of the subject, the resilient member returning to its rest condition upon release of the load with sufficient force to exercise the Achilles tendon of the subject.
  2. 2. The insole according to claim 1, wherein the insole is a full insole and extends substantially the entire length of the foot of the subject, *:*::* when in use. * . * *e.
  3. 3. The insole according to any preceding claim, wherein the first *..material is a foamed material.****.. * 25
  4. 4. The insole according to any preceding claim, wherein the first material is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
  5. 5. The insole according to any preceding claim, wherein the second material is a polyurethane. -
  6. 6. The insole according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient member extends laterally to underlies substantially the entire width of the calcaneus of the foot of the subject, when in use.
  7. 7. The insole according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient member is longitudinally tapered in form.
  8. 8. The insole according to claim 7, wherein the resilient member is thickest at its heel end region distal from the toes of the foot of the subject, when in use.
  9. 9. The insole according to either of claims 7 or 8, wherein the taper is uniform.
  10. 10. The insole according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient member extends the entire length of the heel portion of the insole.
  11. 11. The insole according to claim 10, wherein the resilient member terminates in the region of the junction between the heel portion and the arch region of the foot of the subject.
  12. 12. The insole according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient member is removable. * S ****S* ***** * 25
  13. 13. The insole according to any preceding claim, further comprising * a curved surface to support the medial arch of the foot of the subject when in S. S * .. use. * *S14. The insole according to any preceding claim, further comprising a curved surface to support the transverse arch of the foot of the subject when in use.15. An insole comprising: a heel portion for extending between the heel of the foot of a subject and the inner sole of a shoe, when in use; wherein the heel portion comprises a removable resilient member.16. The insole according to claim 15, wherein the insole is a full insole and extends substantially the entire length of the foot of the subject, when in use.17. The insole according to either of claims 15 or 16, wherein the heel portion comprises a first layer of a first material having a first density and a first resilience and a resilient member comprising a second layer of a second material having a second density and a second resilience, the resilient member being disposed within the first layer, the first density being greater than the second density and the second resilience being greater than the first resilience, whereby, in use, the resilient member is deformed by compression from its rest condition by the load applied by the heel of the subject, the resilient member returning to its rest condition upon release of the load with sufficient force to exercise the achilles tendon of the subject. *S..18. The insole according to claim 17, wherein the first material is a foamed material.* 25 19. The insole according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the first material * is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). ** * * * * S *S20, The insole according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the second material is a polyurethane.21. The insole according to any of claims 15 to 20, wherein the resilient member extends laterally to underlies substantially the entire width of the calcaneus of the foot of the subject, when in use.22. The insole according to any of claims 15 to 21, wherein the resilient member is longitudinally tapered in form.23. The insole according to claim 22, wherein the resilient member is thickest at its heel end region distal from the toes of the foot of the subject, when in use.24. The insole according to either of claims 22 or 23, wherein the taper is uniform.25. The insole according to any of claims 15 to 24, wherein the resilient member extends the entire fength of the heel portion of the insole.26. The insole according to claim 25, wherein the resilient member terminates in the region of the junction between the heel portion and the arch region of the foot of the subject.27. The insole according to any of claims 15 to 26, further comprising a curved surface to support the medial arch of the foot of the subject when in use. * *2528. The insole according to any of claims 15 to 27, further comprising a curved surface to support the transverse arch of the foot of the subject when in use.30. A method of treating a subject suffering from plantar fasciitis, the method comprising: providing a resilient member in the footwear of the subject, the resilient member underlying at least a portion of the calcaneus of the foot of the subject; and causing the subject to walk; whereby the action of the subject loading and unloading the resilient member in the footwear causes the resilient member to apply a force to the calcaneus of the foot of the subject, thereby exercising the Achilles tendon.31. The method of claim 30, wherein an insole according to any of claims ito 29 is employed.32. An insole substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to Figures 1 and 2.33. A method for treating plantar fasciitis substantially as hereinbefore described. * ** * S * * ** S... * S S... *.. * S S...S * S S... * . *5 5SS S *S
GB0818633A 2008-10-10 2008-10-10 Insole having a resilient heel insert Withdrawn GB2464309A (en)

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GB0818633A GB2464309A (en) 2008-10-10 2008-10-10 Insole having a resilient heel insert

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GB0818633A GB2464309A (en) 2008-10-10 2008-10-10 Insole having a resilient heel insert

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GB2464309A true GB2464309A (en) 2010-04-14

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITUB20159361A1 (en) * 2015-12-22 2017-06-22 M G Fitness Srl Insole with integrated elastic element.
US10369038B2 (en) 2013-01-08 2019-08-06 3M Innovative Properties Company Plantar fascia support system

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2300558A (en) * 1995-05-09 1996-11-13 British United Shoe Machinery Shoe insole
EP1116449A2 (en) * 1999-12-31 2001-07-18 Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc. Work insoles
US6315786B1 (en) * 1999-07-20 2001-11-13 Partnership Of Arthur H. Smuckler, James Grimes, Niko Efstathiou And Charles A. Sarris Device for treating heel pain
WO2003061418A1 (en) * 2002-01-16 2003-07-31 Foot Steps Orthotics Pty Limited Orthotic insert and method of manufacture thereof
US20060021252A1 (en) * 2004-07-30 2006-02-02 James Throneburg Insole, and footwear system incorporating same
EP1623642A1 (en) * 2004-08-06 2006-02-08 Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc. Removable insole and footwear provided with an insole
US20070022630A1 (en) * 2005-07-29 2007-02-01 Lundy Charles E Jr Arch support insole
US20070084084A1 (en) * 2005-10-13 2007-04-19 Rich Jeffrey S User moldable adjustable insert

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2300558A (en) * 1995-05-09 1996-11-13 British United Shoe Machinery Shoe insole
US6315786B1 (en) * 1999-07-20 2001-11-13 Partnership Of Arthur H. Smuckler, James Grimes, Niko Efstathiou And Charles A. Sarris Device for treating heel pain
EP1116449A2 (en) * 1999-12-31 2001-07-18 Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc. Work insoles
WO2003061418A1 (en) * 2002-01-16 2003-07-31 Foot Steps Orthotics Pty Limited Orthotic insert and method of manufacture thereof
US20060021252A1 (en) * 2004-07-30 2006-02-02 James Throneburg Insole, and footwear system incorporating same
EP1623642A1 (en) * 2004-08-06 2006-02-08 Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc. Removable insole and footwear provided with an insole
US20070022630A1 (en) * 2005-07-29 2007-02-01 Lundy Charles E Jr Arch support insole
US20070084084A1 (en) * 2005-10-13 2007-04-19 Rich Jeffrey S User moldable adjustable insert

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10369038B2 (en) 2013-01-08 2019-08-06 3M Innovative Properties Company Plantar fascia support system
ITUB20159361A1 (en) * 2015-12-22 2017-06-22 M G Fitness Srl Insole with integrated elastic element.

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