Article for alleviating bunion deformity and pain

Abstract

An article for overcoming the inward deforming tendency of the big toe of a person suffering from bunions is herein disclosed. The article is constructed of stretch fabric in the form of a tube sock which transitions in the region encompassing the toes, into two distinct pockets. A first elongated pocket encompasses the second through fifth toes, while the other pocket encompasses the big toe. A gap between the pockets works in combination with multiple layers of elastomeric material knit in a long but narrow band on the outside of the big toe and running down the side of the sock. When the sock is donned, the band of elastomeric material creates compressive restoring forces that draw the big toe pocket, and thus the big toe, outwardly from the other toes. Continuous use of the article serves to stretch tight tendons and toes muscles, and deter bunion pain and deformity.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention is directed to an improved article for providing treatment and relief of pain due to bunions and the like, and more particularly for the design of adaptive footwear in the form of a contoured sock and an integrally stiffened region.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A bunion is a structural deformity of the foot. It is most often characterized by enlargement of the bone or tissue about the joint of the base of the big toe, which is referred to within the medical community as hallux valgus. Less common than this deformity of the hallux—the big toe—is a deformity at the base of the smallest or fifth toe, which is known as a tailor's bunion.[0003]The hallux valgus deformity appears as a bump on the side of the toe, which may be a combination of a swollen bursal sac and a bony growth on the mesophalangeal joint. Once the tissue becomes swollen and tender, the skin around the bunion may become red and irritated. Walking may become increasin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The narrow band of elastomeric fabric serves to create what is principally a unidirectional elastic force that draws the big toe away from the other toes, and serves to stretch tight tendons and toe muscles, and deter bunion pain and deformity. The article may be constructed similar to a tube sock so that it may be worn on either foot. The article may also be constructed as a series of articles having incrementally larger gaps between the big toe pocket and the other pocket, and also having additional elastomeric layers, whereby each in the series of articles could be successively worn by the user as the person's toe is induced to a less inwardly prone posture.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009]It is an object of this invention to provide an article which may provide relief from the deformation and pain accompanying bunions.

[0010]It is another object of this invention to provide a bunion corrective device that may utilize the sturdiness of the entire to accomplish realignment of the big toe.

[0011]It is further object of this invention to provide an article which is lightweight and simple to manufacture.

Problems solved by technology

Once the tissue becomes swollen and tender, the skin around the bunion may become red and irritated.

Walking may become increasingly painful, and eventually leads to pain even while not standing on one's feet.

The big toe may also suffer from arthritis and a diminished range of motion.

Also, while experts may be divided on whether ill-fitting footwear is attributable as the principle cause of bunions, it is agreed that the problem is exacerbated by shoes that crowd the toes, and may also be precipitated or compounded by foot injuries.

But the Zinkovich device and other commercially available toe spreaders advertised for bunion treatment tend to undesirably apply a separation force at a single point on the big toe, and are also inherently not curative because they rely on the smaller, less sturdy second toe to counter mounting deformation of the great toe.

However, Schroder uses toe engaging rings and mating connectors on the side of the foot which make the device bulky, and not suitable for use while wearing shoes.

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