Improved orthotic shell for orthopedic sole insert

Abstract

An orthopedic insert is disclosed that comprises an orthotic shell and a plurality of cuts made about at least a portion of the periphery of the orthotic shell. The orthotic shell typically comprises an arch portion made of a semi-flexible material. As a patient's weight is applied to the insert, and particularly the orthotic shell, the cuts localize the flexing in the arch portion as a result of the downward force being applied by the patient, thus reducing pressures along the orthotic edges and diminished muscle strain.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to orthopedic inserts for a shoe.[0002]The human foot is a unique structure that can be very flexible or very rigid when a person walks depending upon the internal locking and unlocking mechanism of the bones and joints in the person's foot.[0003]This mechanism will not function properly if the bones and joints of the person's foot and ankle are in abnormal alignment. If such an abnormal alignment is present, muscles in the lower extremities will be required to work harder in an effort to compensate. As a consequence, these muscles will fatigue quicker. Once muscles fatigue, the person will experience pain and discomfort because the muscles can no longer compensate for the abnormal alignment of the foot and ankle.[0004]There have been many developments in the prior art to correct this problem and avoid invasive surgery. Shoe-inserts have been developed which can be positioned between the bottom or plantar aspect of a person's f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]As with most orthopedic inserts, a cushion material is used to stabilize the plantar fill underneath the arch portion of the orthotic shell. Stabilizing the plantar fill permits increased flexibility with continued functional control. For the customized embodiment, the thickness of the plantar fill will be determined by the podiatrist. However, a non-customized embodiment can be made wherein a customer purchases one of a variety of generic sizes which then include more than one plantar fill selections. Thereby, the thickness of the plantar fill can be increased or decreased to achieve the most comfort to the wearer. Additionally, although the orthotic shell is typically used with a stabilizing plantar fill, patients of lower weight may not require the use of a plantar fill.

[0015]When the patient applies weight upon his customized orthopedic insert made according to my invention, the cuts will substantially eliminate any undesired secondary flex of the orthotic shell that will cause discomfort. As a result, the patient will notice reduced pressures along the orthotic edges, diminished muscle strain, as well as the elimination of the burning / friction sensation that patients experience using other types of orthotics.

Problems solved by technology

This mechanism will not function properly if the bones and joints of the person's foot and ankle are in abnormal alignment.

As a consequence, these muscles will fatigue quicker.

Once muscles fatigue, the person will experience pain and discomfort because the muscles can no longer compensate for the abnormal alignment of the foot and ankle.

This type of procedure is expensive, and requires a trial and error process to obtain the final product.

Thus, a substantial amount of time is typically required between the initial plaster cast and the final product; sometimes on the order of weeks.

Even then it is still possible that a perfect custom fit to for the particular patient can never be achieved.

If the arch of the insert is designed too high, a pressure point will develop near the top of the arch which will cause the wearer pain.

If the arch is designed too flat, more weight will be concentrated over a larger area of the arch and will cause the non-arch area of the insert to deform to an extent sufficient to cause discomfort and pain.

Usually, there are particular portions that give the patient discomfort.

The upward flex or wave, is believed to be the cause of secondary discomfort, a discomfort the patient tells the podiatrist along with the primary cause of discomfort.

Accordingly, even after numerous trial and error fittings the patient, although suffering less, may never be able to completely be pain-free using a custom insert.

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