Foot and hand exercise device and method of use

Abstract

An improvement in foot and hand exercising devices featuring a depressible elongated device placeable in the palm of a hand or under the plantar region of a foot which can increase venous return in an aid to avoiding deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and resulting pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke, and edema. The depressible device reduces chance of foot or hand injury and improves the comfort of the user. The device can also be used for stretching the plantar tendons and thereby reducing foot pain.

Description

PRIORITY[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 38,446 filed on Sep. 24, 2010, “Portable Exercise Device for Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention and for Isometric Exercise.” The specification and drawings of this application is herein incorporated by reference into the present application.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention pertains to foot exercise devices and their methods of use, and more specifically to new features that improve blood flow for the prevention of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) and other circulatory diseases and for isometric exercise of the foot and ankle for improved stretching of the tendons and muscles in the foot and ankle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Approximately 2 million people in the United States suffer from deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the legs, and can cause pulmonary embolism (PE) if the clot travels to the lungs and blocks one of the mai...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Additionally, many individuals suffer from plantar fasciitis. The non-elasticity of the tendons in the foot can cause extremely painful sensation in individuals with the condition. Research has shown that regular stretching of the tendons in the foot can decrease pain. Other conditions with symptoms similar to plantar fasciitis, such as certain foot injuries, can also benefit from increased circulation and pain reduction.

[0011]Other newer approaches, utilizing the lessons of their forebears, attempt to directly address the problem of inactivity on planes. U.S. patent Application Ser. No. 09 / 982,341 to Winkler (2001) discloses an adaptation to an airline or other stable seat by utilizing a vertical extension from the seat to a spring-activated horizontal platform extending therefrom. The user rocks the horizontal platform up and down, contracting the calf muscles and flexing the ankles, thereby increasing circulation. A different approach, found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 868,993 to Cardarelli (2004) utilizes, again a vertical extension from a seat, however set at an inclined, braced angle, with a fixed platform extending horizontally therefrom. Disposed upon the vertical and horizontal surfaces are raised depressible projections. A user removes his shoes and places his heel along the inclined vertical surface and toes on the horizontal surface, pressing down. The action stretches the foot and the projections provide massaging action.

Problems solved by technology

Teff disclosed a rocking device similar to the Paves device, but unidirectional, thereby eliminating some instability, and utilizing a centrally mounted hemisphere which, when the rocker is inverted to place its flat surface on the floor, a user could then place his foot over the hemisphere and stretch his foot across it.

However, many people with foot and / or circulation problems are easily bruised, and any bruising can lead to further complications (for example from diabetic neuropathy).

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