Dynamic arch stabilization and rehabilitative shoe insole device

Abstract

An insole device configured to fit the profile of a human foot to promote dynamic proprioceptive stimulation of the mechanoreceptors and nocioreceptors in the skin of the sole of the foot at the anatomical apex of the foot's arch system. The midfoot section of the insole device has a receptacle located central to the foot's anatomical arch apex that receives interchangeable resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts of many shapes and forms. The resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts present to the plantar aspect of the foot at a location found to be the anatomical apex of the foot's arch system.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. provisional application no. U.S. 61 / 457,235 filed Feb. 9, 2011, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to an insole for a shoe. In particular, the present invention relates to an insole device that can rehabilitate a foot by stimulating a proprioceptive reflex response in the wearer's foot.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Professionals dealing with gait related pathologies generally accept that a large majority of persons will, at some time in their lives, suffer some form of gait related pain or dysfunction. It is also well accepted that, in the majority of cases, the mechanism underlying the pathology, injury, or dysfunction is biomechanically related to the foot's musculoskeletal capabilities during the interface between the foot and the ground, during the initial contact, support, and propulsion phases of the gait cycle.[0004]It has b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device that uses special materials to stimulate the body's natural reflex mechanisms to align and stabilize the foot's muscles. This alignment process encourages the device to roll and pivot around the foot's movement, which results in a more stable and strong foot that can manage forces effectively during various activities and minimize injury. The device also promotes a rehabilitative, preventive, and performance-enhancing effect.

Problems solved by technology

The catalyst is an asymmetrically domed hump, which creates a mild to strong discomfort to initially stimulate the Golgi tendon organ.

However, it has been found that the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659 does not function as described, and that the majority of users find the device too uncomfortable to use.

A device built according to these dimensions and deflection capabilities results in an overly high arch height, and can cause severe discomfort, and possible injury, to a wearer.

This is clearly wrong, since different wearers will have different comfort thresholds and arch heights.

Users would find the device too hard to use successfully, and rather than stimulating a proprioceptive response, the device would cause pain and discomfort at each step.

However, it has been found that the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457 have a number of limitations that inhibit the devices' optimal positioning and the degree of stimulus provided to the plantar surface of the foot while the foot is interfacing with the ground, during the initial contact, support, and propulsion phases of the multidirectional bipedal activity gait cycles.

This less than optimal location of the stimulus to the sole of the foot results in a less than optimal proprioceptive reflex response and a less stable musculoskeletal arch system and ankle.

In addition, the devices disclosed do not allow for any degree of adjustability in the relative positioning of the dome shaped catalyst to accommodate users who have feet of identical length but have variances in foot type.

Therefore, the devices disclosed would fail to provide stimulus at the optimal location for one of the individuals.

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