Pads for Achilles tendon bandages or orthoses

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pad for an Achilles tendon bandage or brace, an Achilles tendon bandage or brace comprising a pad according to the invention, and the use of a pad according to the invention for lymphatic drainage and relief of the Achilles tendon.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pad for an Achilles tendon bandage or brace, an Achilles tendon bandage or brace comprising a pad according to the invention, and the use of a pad according to the invention for lymphatic drainage and relief of the Achilles tendon. [Background technology]

[0002] The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the human body. This tendon connects the heel bone (calcaneus) to the calf muscles and allows, among other things, powerful plantar flexion of the foot (planar flexion) and upward tilt of the foot (supination). During running, and especially during jumping and landing, the Achilles tendon is exposed to very large forces. Acute or chronic irritation and inflammation of the Achilles tendon are common problems in athletes.

[0003] Improper and excessive loading over a long period of time can lead to structural damage of the Achilles tendon. Painful injuries of the Achilles tendon, known as Achilles tendon pain, are typically characterized by recurrent pain in response to loading in the area of ​​the back of the leg and the heel. Another painful condition of the Achilles tendon is inflammation of the bursa between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon (Achilles tendon bursitis). The main symptom of Achilles tendon bursitis is severe pain in the area of ​​the Achilles tendon insertion. If pain persists for a long period of time, it can lead to thickening of the heel bone, known as Haglund's exostosis (Haglund's heel).

[0004] Stabilization and offloading of the Achilles tendon is crucial for the prevention and targeted treatment of acute and chronic irritation and inflammation of the Achilles tendon as well as for post-traumatic and post-operative protection, for example after an Achilles tendon rupture. An Achilles tendon bandage made of an elastic material with a cushioning material surrounding the Achilles tendon is described in German Utility Model No. 202004013159. A pad for an Achilles tendon bandage with a periodic, in particular corrugated, surface structure for reducing swelling and supporting lymphatic drainage is known from German Patent Application No. DE 102008015449. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention is based on the problem of providing an improved pad for use in an Achilles tendon bandage or orthosis, by which stabilization of the Achilles tendon can be achieved, lymphatic drainage is improved and the formation of oedema is inhibited.

[0006] The present invention solves the underlying technical problem by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0007] In this specification the invention relates to a pad for an Achilles tendon band or brace, said pad having a front surface, a rear surface and two lower pad arms, each of said lower pad arms having at least one pressure element on said front surface.

[0008] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower pad arm is formed so as to pass under the ankle in the mounted state of the pad. According to a preferred embodiment, the lower pad arm is formed so as to pass on a path under the ankle in the mounted state of the pad.

[0009] Preferably, in the worn state of the pad, at least one pressure element arranged on each of the two lower pad arms applies pressure to tissue below the ankle, in particular to the Visgo area. Preferably, at least one pressure element arranged on each of the two lower pad arms is on a path below the ankle, in the worn state of the pad.

[0010] Gripping around the ankle and compressing the tissues below the ankle, especially the Visgo area, stabilizes the ankle, especially the Achilles tendon and heel bone, improves lymphatic drainage, and reduces or prevents the formation of edema.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the lower pad arms has exactly one pressure element on the front side. According to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the pad comprises two pressure elements in total. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the lower pad arms has a single pressure element on the front side.

[0012] Preferably, at least one pressure element is a convex. Particularly preferably, at least one pressure element is a cusp-shaped convex. In a preferred embodiment, at least one pressure element is not a protrusion, in particular not a protrusion disclosed below as additional protrusion. In an alternative embodiment, at least one pressure element is a protrusion. According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one pressure element is a plateau-shaped convex with rounded edges.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that at least one pressure element has protruding portions on its surface. Preferably, at least one pressure element has at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6 protrusions on its surface.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one pressure element has an elliptical or circular cross section.

[0015] Preferably, at least one pressure element has a height from its starting point of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, preferably at least 6 mm, preferably at least 7 mm, preferably at least 8 mm, preferably at least 9 mm, preferably at least 10 mm. Particularly preferably, at least one pressure element has a height from its starting point of 2 to 10 mm, preferably 3 to 9 mm, preferably 4 to 8 mm. Preferably, at least one pressure element has a height from its starting point of at most 10 mm, preferably at most 9 mm, preferably at most 8 mm, preferably at most 7 mm, preferably at most 6 mm, preferably at most 5 mm.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one pressure element has at its starting point a diameter of at least 7 mm, preferably at least 8 mm, preferably at least 9 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, preferably at least 12 mm, preferably at least 14 mm, preferably at least 16 mm, preferably at least 18 mm, preferably at least 20 mm, preferably at least 22 mm, preferably at least 24 mm, preferably at least 26 mm, preferably at least 28 mm, preferably at least 30 mm. Preferably, at least one pressure element has at its starting point a diameter of 10-40 mm, preferably 12-36 mm, preferably 14-32 mm, preferably 16-28 mm, preferably 18-24 mm. In a further preferred embodiment, at least one pressure element has at its starting point a diameter of up to 40 mm, preferably up to 38 mm, preferably up to 36 mm, preferably up to 34 mm, preferably up to 32 mm, preferably up to 30 mm, preferably up to 28 mm, preferably up to 26 mm, preferably up to 24 mm, preferably up to 22 mm, preferably up to 20 mm.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one pressure element has a uniform cross section, in particular a uniform diameter, from its origin to its end. According to a further embodiment, at least one pressure element does not have a uniform cross section, in particular a uniform diameter, from its origin to its end. Preferably, the cross section, in particular the diameter, of at least one pressure element varies from its origin to its end. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cross section, in particular the diameter, of at least one pressure element varies continuously from its origin to its end. Preferably, the cross section, in particular the diameter, of at least one pressure element varies discontinuously from its origin to its end. Preferably, at least one pressure element has a larger diameter at its origin than at its end.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the lower pad arms has a single pressure element on the front surface, and in the worn state of the pad, the lower pad arms pass under the ankle and pressure is applied to the tissue under the ankle by the one pressure element arranged on each of the two lower pad arms, the one pressure element being a plateau-shaped convex portion having rounded edges.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front surface of the pad is formed with protrusions.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the projections on the front surface of the pad have an oval or circular cross section.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the projection on the front surface of the pad has a cylindrical shape. Preferably, the projection on the front surface of the pad has a conical shape. Particularly preferably, the projection on the front surface of the pad has a rounded cusp-like shape.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the front surface of the pad comprises at least 4, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 10, preferably at least 12, preferably at least 14, preferably at least 16, preferably at least 18, preferably at least 20, preferably at least 30, preferably at least 40, preferably at least 50 protrusions.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the projections on the front surface of the pad have a height from their starting point of at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, preferably at least 3.5 mm, preferably at least 4 mm. Particularly preferably, the projections on the front surface of the pad have a height from their starting point of 0.5 to 10 mm, preferably 0.5 to 7.5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 4 mm, preferably 1 to 4 mm, preferably 0.5 to 3.5 mm, preferably 1 to 3.5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 3 mm, preferably 1 to 3 mm. Preferably, the projections on the front surface of the pad have a height from their starting point of at most 10 mm, preferably at most 9 mm, preferably at most 8 mm, preferably at most 7 mm, preferably at most 6 mm, preferably at most 5 mm, preferably at most 4.5 mm, preferably at most 4 mm, preferably at most 3.5 mm, preferably at most 3 mm.

[0024] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the projections on the front surface of the pad have at their origin a diameter of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, preferably at least 3.5 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, preferably at least 4.5 mm, preferably at least 5 mm. Preferably, the projections on the front surface of the pad have at their origin a diameter of 1-8 mm, preferably 1-7 mm, preferably 1-6 mm, preferably 2-5 mm, preferably 3-5 mm. In another preferred embodiment, the projections on the front surface of the pad have at their origin a diameter of up to 8 mm, preferably up to 7.5 mm, preferably up to 7 mm, preferably up to 6.5 mm, preferably up to 6 mm, preferably up to 5.5 mm, preferably up to 5 mm, preferably up to 4.5 mm, preferably up to 4 mm, preferably up to 3.5 mm, preferably up to 3 mm.

[0025] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the projections of the front surface of the pad have a uniform cross section, in particular a uniform diameter, from their origin to their end. According to a further embodiment, the projections of the front surface of the pad do not have a uniform cross section, in particular a uniform diameter, from their origin to their end. It can therefore be provided that the cross section, in particular the diameter, of the projections of the front surface of the pad varies from their origin to their end. Preferably, the projections of the front surface of the pad have a larger diameter at their origin than at their end.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the individual protrusions on the front surface of the pad have a distance of at least 1 mm from each other, preferably at least 1.25 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm, preferably at least 1.75 mm, preferably at least 2 mm. Preferably, the individual protrusions on the front surface of the pad have a distance of at most 15 mm, preferably at most 10 mm, preferably at most 9 mm, preferably at most 8 mm, preferably at most 7 mm, preferably at most 6 mm, preferably at most 5 mm from each other. Preferably, the distance between the protrusions and the nearest protrusions on the front surface of the pad is at least half the height of the nearest protrusions from their origin. Particularly preferably, the distance between the protrusions and the nearest protrusions on the front surface of the pad is at least half the diameter of the nearest protrusions at their origin.

[0027] Preferably, the projections on the front surface of the pad extend on the lower pad arms. Particularly preferably, at least one projection is arranged distally from the at least one pressure element on each of the lower pad arms. Preferably, at least two projections, preferably at least three projections, preferably at least four projections are arranged distally from the at least one pressure element on each of the lower pad arms. The massage effect provided to the viscoelastic region in the mounted state of the pad can be further enhanced by the projections arranged on each of the lower pad arms, preferably distally from the at least one pressure element.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the projection of the front surface of the pad extends over the upper pad arm, and particularly preferably, the projection of the front surface of the pad extends over the lower and upper pad arms.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the projections on the front surface of the pad are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a mirror plane extending vertically in the central region of the pad.

[0030] The protruding portions on the front surface of the pad create an alternating pressure massage on the underlying tissue when worn. The massaging effect, inter alia, advantageously leads to the flushing out of any edema that may be present and promotes local blood circulation, thereby achieving both a pain relieving and healing promoting effect. Furthermore, the protrusions located on the front surface of the pad, especially in combination with the perforations of the pad, ensure sufficient air circulation between the pad and the wearer's skin when the pad is worn.

[0031] Preferably, therefore, the protrusions of the protruding portion are not pressure elements, in particular not pressure elements within the meaning of the present invention, but rather, the protrusions of the protruding portion are preferably massage elements.

[0032] Preferably, the projections are smaller than the pressure element. Preferably, the projections have a smaller diameter than the pressure element. Preferably, the projections have a smaller height than the pressure element. Preferably, the projections have a smaller diameter and a smaller height than the pressure element.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the pad comprises perforations.

[0034] In particularly preferred embodiments, the perforations in the pad have at least 2, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 10, preferably at least 12, preferably at least 14, preferably at least 16, preferably at least 18, preferably at least 20, preferably at least 30, preferably at least 40 holes.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, the individual holes of the perforations are arranged adjacent to a protrusion present on the front surface of the pad. Preferably, the individual holes of the perforations are arranged at a distance of at most 10 mm, preferably at most 8 mm, preferably at most 6 mm, preferably at most 5 mm, preferably at most 4 mm, preferably at most 3 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, preferably at most 1 mm from an adjacent protrusion arranged on the front surface of the pad, in particular from the nearest protrusion arranged on the front surface of the pad.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the perforation holes have a diameter of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, preferably at least 3.5 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, preferably at least 4.5 mm, preferably at least 5 mm. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the perforation holes have a diameter of 1-10 mm, preferably 2-8 mm, preferably 3-7 mm, preferably 4-6 mm. Particularly preferably, the perforation holes have a diameter of up to 10 mm, preferably up to 9 mm, preferably up to 8 mm, preferably up to 7 mm, preferably up to 6 mm, preferably up to 5 mm, preferably up to 4 mm, preferably up to 3 mm, preferably up to 2 mm.

[0037] The perforations in the pad, especially in combination with the raised portions on the front surface of the pad, advantageously ensure ventilation of the skin covered by the pad in the worn state, which prevents or at least reduces sweating along the Achilles tendon and in the ankle area while wearing the pad, especially an Achilles tendon bandage or brace comprising the pad.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower pad arm has perforations, preferably the upper pad arm has perforations, and particularly preferably the upper and lower pad arms have perforations.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the lower pad arm has no perforations, preferably the upper pad arm has no perforations, and particularly preferably the upper and lower pad arms have no perforations.

[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the pad has mirror symmetry.

[0041] According to a further preferred embodiment, the pad has a tapered portion of the device, preferably extending vertically in the applied state of the pad, particularly preferably extending within the area of ​​the vertically extending mirror surface of the pad.

[0042] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tapered portion of the device is characterized in that the material thickness of the pad in the region of the tapered portion of the device is at most 5 mm, preferably at most 4.5 mm, preferably at most 4 mm, preferably at most 3.5 mm, preferably at most 3 mm, preferably at most 2.5 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, preferably at most 1.5 mm, preferably at most 1 mm. Preferably, the pad has a material thickness in the region of the tapered portion of the device of 1-5 mm, preferably 1-4.5 mm, preferably 1-4 mm, preferably 1-3.5 mm, preferably 1-3 mm, preferably 1-2.5 mm, preferably 1.5-2 mm, preferably 1.5-2 mm. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the material thickness of the pad in the region of the tapered portion of the device is at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 0.75 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1.25 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm, preferably at least 1.75 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, preferably at least 2.25 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm.

[0043] With the pad in place, the tapered area of ​​the device fits over and grips around the Achilles tendon, advantageously providing further stabilization and relief of the Achilles tendon.

[0044] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the pad is formed from at least one elastic material, in particular at least one viscoelastic material. A variety of materials suitable for the manufacture of elastic, in particular viscoelastic, pads are known to the person skilled in the art.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, at least one elastic material, in particular at least one viscoelastic material, is silicone. In a further preferred embodiment, at least one elastic material, in particular at least one viscoelastic material, is rubber, in particular natural or synthetic rubber. Further examples of elastic materials suitable for use in the pad according to the invention are thermoplastic elastomers, neoprene, synthetic latex or natural latex. According to the invention, it may also be provided that the pad comprises a mixture of different materials, in particular a mixture of at least two materials.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pad has at least one upper pad arm in addition to the two lower pad arms. Preferably, the pad has two lower pad arms and two upper pad arms. Particularly preferably, the two lower pad arms are longer than the at least one upper pad arm, in particular longer than the two upper pad arms.

[0047] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one upper pad arm, in particular two upper pad arms, extend to the base of the calf muscle in the worn state of the pad.

[0048] The present invention also relates to an Achilles tendon bandage or brace comprising a pad according to the present invention.

[0049] Preferably the Achilles tendon bandage or brace is an elastic knit bandage or brace.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pad according to the invention is an integral part of the Achilles tendon band or brace. According to this embodiment, the pad according to the invention cannot be separated from the Achilles tendon band or brace without being destroyed. In particular, it can be provided that the pad according to the invention is sewn to the textile material of the Achilles tendon band or brace.

[0051] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the pad according to the invention is not an integral part of the Achilles tendon band or brace. According to this preferred embodiment, the pad according to the invention can be removed from the Achilles tendon band or brace in a non-destructive manner. In particular, it can be provided that the pad according to the invention can be inserted into a receptacle, in particular a pocket, provided for this purpose in the textile material of the Achilles tendon band or brace and can be removed again from the latter.

[0052] The present invention also relates to the use of the pad according to the invention for lymphatic drainage and Achilles tendon relief, in particular the non-therapeutic use of the pad according to the invention for lymphatic drainage and Achilles tendon relief.

[0053] The present invention also relates to a pad according to the invention for use in a method for preventing and / or treating dysfunction or injury of the Achilles tendon.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Achilles tendon dysfunction or injury is an acute or chronic irritation or inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Preferably, the Achilles tendon dysfunction or injury is selected from the group consisting of Achilles tendon bursitis, Achilles tendon pain, Achilles tendon rupture, and partial Achilles tendon rupture.

[0055] Further preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0056] In the context of the present invention, the terms "comprising" and "having" are understood to mean that in addition to the elements expressly included by these terms, further elements not expressly mentioned may be added. In the context of the present invention, these terms are also understood to mean that only the elements expressly mentioned are included, and no further elements are present. In this particular embodiment, the meaning of the terms "comprising" and "having" is synonymous with the term "consisting of". Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having" also include compositions that, in addition to the elements expressly mentioned, also contain further elements that are not mentioned but are of a functionally and qualitatively subordinate nature. In this embodiment, the terms "comprising" and "having" are synonymous with the term "consisting essentially of".

[0057] In the context of the present invention, the term "and / or" is understood to mean that all members of the group connected by the term "and / or" are disclosed alternatively to one another in any combination and cumulatively to one another. With regard to the expression "A, B and / or C", this means that the following disclosure should be understood: a) A or B or C, or b) (A and B) or c) (A and C) or d) (B and C) or e) (A and B and C).

[0058] In the context of the present invention, the term "pathway" refers to the channels that carry the vital energy that flows within the human body according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

[0059] "Pad arm" refers to an extension that extends from the base of the pad to the periphery. The terms "lower pad arm", "lower pad arms", "upper pad arm" and "upper pad arms" are used in the context of the present invention to indicate extensions of the pad that, in the worn state of the pad, extend in a distal direction, in particular towards the plantar direction ("lower pad arm"), or in a proximal direction ("upper pad arm"), i.e. towards the centre of the wearer's body, in particular passing below ("lower pad arm") or above ("upper pad arm") the ankle.

[0060] In the context of the present invention, the term "protruding portion" refers to a plurality, in particular various, regularly or irregularly arranged protrusions, in particular projections.

[0061] In the context of the present invention, the term "perforations" refers to multiple, in particular diverse, regularly or irregularly arranged, locally limited recesses in the material extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the pad. Each individual hole of the "perforations" can have a uniform or non-uniform cross section when viewed over the entire area of ​​the material recess. For example, the material recess can have a cylindrical or frusto-conical geometric shape.

[0062] The term "Visgaard's region" refers to the area between the Achilles tendon, the heel bone, and the ankle, named after the Danish physician Holger Bisgaard. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0063] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the front side (2) of a preferred embodiment of a pad (1) according to the invention. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing the rear face (3) of a preferred embodiment of a pad (1) according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1A. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the front side (2) of a further preferred embodiment of the pad (1) according to the invention. [Diagram 3] A preferred embodiment of the pad (1) according to the present invention is shown in a worn state as viewed from the rear center of the ankle. [Figure 4] A preferred embodiment of a pad (1) according to the present invention is shown diagrammatically in a worn state as viewed obliquely from behind the ankle. [Diagram 5] A preferred embodiment of a pad (1) according to the present invention is shown diagrammatically in a worn state as viewed obliquely from the front relative to the ankle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] The invention is illustrated below by means of exemplary figures, the inventive concept being not limited to these embodiments.

[0065] Fig. 1A shows a schematic view of the front surface (2) of a preferred embodiment of a pad (1) according to the invention. The pad (1) has two upper pad arms (4a, 4b) and two lower pad arms (5a, 5b), with a pressure element (10a, 10b) arranged on each of the two lower pad arms (5a, 5b), through which pressure is applied to the viscoelastic area when worn, in the mounted state of the pad (1). Furthermore, the pad (1) comprises a protrusion (40) arranged on its front surface (2) and a perforation (20). The pad (1) has a tapered portion (30) of the material extending vertically in the area of ​​its mirror surface.

[0066] FIG. 1B shows diagrammatically the rear face (3) of a preferred embodiment of the pad (1) according to the invention shown in FIG. 1A.

[0067] Figure 2 shows a schematic front view (2) of a further preferred embodiment of the pad (1) according to the invention. The pad (1) also has two upper pad arms (4a, 4b) and two lower pad arms (5a, 5b), with a pressure element (10a, 10b) arranged on each of the two lower pad arms (5a, 5b) through which pressure is applied to the viscoelastic area when worn, in the mounted state of the pad (1). Similar to the pad shown in Figure 1A, the pad (1) shown in Figure 2 also comprises projections (40) arranged on its front view (2) and perforations (20), the embodiment of the pad (1) according to the invention shown in Figure 2 is narrower and has fewer projections (40) than the embodiment shown in Figure 1A. The pad (1) is formed with mirror symmetry and has a tapered portion (30) of the material that extends vertically in the area of ​​the mirror surface.

[0068] Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of a pad (1) according to the invention in a worn state as seen from the middle rear of the ankle. It can be seen that the lower pad arms (5a, 5b) pass under the ankle. The upper pad arms (4a, 4b) of this embodiment extend proximally to the attachment of the calf muscle. The perforations (20) in the pad (1) ensure sufficient air circulation when worn. In the central region of the pad (1), a tapered portion (30) of the device extends vertically and conforms to the surface contour of the Achilles tendon, providing a stabilizing grip on the Achilles tendon.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the pad (1) according to the present invention in a worn state as viewed obliquely from behind the ankle.

[0070] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the pad (1) according to the invention in a worn state when viewed obliquely from the front with respect to the ankle. The projections (40) of the pad (1) arranged on the front side (2) provide a massage effect when worn and allow air circulation between the pad (1) and the underlying tissue. The lower pad arm (5a) has a pressure element (10a) which passes under the lateral ankle (lateral malleolus) and exerts pressure on the tissue in the posterior malleolus area between the lateral ankle (lateral malleolus) and the heel bone (calcaneus) when the pad (1) is worn. Also presented is an upper pad arm (4a) which extends to the attachment of the calf muscle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1. Pads for Achilles tendon bandage or brace 2 Front of pad 3 Back of pad 4a 1st upper pad arm 4b 2nd upper pad arm 5a 1st lower pad arm 5b Second lower pad arm 10a Pressure element 10b Pressure element 20 perforation 30 Tapered parts of equipment 40 protrusions

Claims

1. A pad (1) for an Achilles tendon band or brace, comprising: The pad (1) comprises a front surface (2), a rear surface (3) and two lower pad arms (5a, 5b), each of said lower pad arms (5a, 5b) has at least one pressure element (10a, 10b) which is a plateau-shaped convex part having rounded edges on said front surface (2); A pad, characterized in that in the worn state of the pad, the lower pad arms (5a, 5b) pass under the ankle and pressure is applied to the tissue under the ankle by the at least one pressure element (10a, 10b) arranged on each of the two lower pad arms (5a, 5b).

2. 2. Pad according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said lower pad arms (5a, 5b) has a single pressure element (10a, 10b) on said front face (2).

3. each of said lower pad arms (5a, 5b) has a single pressure element (10a, 10b) on said front face (2); In the worn state of the pad, the lower pad arms (5a, 5b) pass under the ankle and pressure is applied to the tissue under the ankle by one pressure element (10a, 10b) arranged on each of the two lower pad arms (5a, 5b), 2. Pad according to claim 1, characterized in that said one pressure element (10a, 10b) is a plateau-like convexity with rounded edges.

4. 2. Pad according to claim 1, characterized in that said front surface (2) of said pad (1) is formed with protrusions.

5. 2. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the pad has perforations (20).

6. 2. The pad of claim 1, wherein the pad is mirror symmetric.

7. 7. A pad according to claim 6, characterized in that the pad has a tapered portion (30) of the material in the area of ​​the mirror surface.

8. 10. The pad of claim 1, wherein the pad is formed from at least one resilient material.

9. 2. Pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the pad has two upper pad arms (4a, 4b) and two lower pad arms (5a, 5b).

10. A pad according to claim 9, wherein the lower pad arms (5a, 5b) are longer than the upper pad arms (4a, 4b).

11. An Achilles tendon bandage or brace (100) comprising a pad according to claim 1.

12. 13. Use of the pad according to claim 1 for lymphatic drainage and Achilles tendon relief.

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