Orthotic insole structure to prevent flat feet

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of insole technology, specifically to an orthopedic insole structure for preventing flat feet. The insole includes an insole body with a positioning rib on the upper surface of the forefoot area for positioning and isolating the big toe from the other four toes. A big toe positioning groove is provided at the big toe portion of the insole body, and little toe positioning grooves are provided at the four toe portions. A flexor groove is provided at the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, while the metatarsophalangeal joints of the four toes are flat surfaces. This invention not only provides a clear and reliable positioning reference for the forefoot and toes on the insole, restraining them and preventing arbitrary sliding, thus preventing conditions such as hallux valgus and paronychia; but also, by adding flexor grooves, allows the plantar fascia to be appropriately and intermittently stretched and relaxed, enabling active training and correction, preventing atrophy and degeneration, and promoting a flexible dynamic balance between tension and relaxation, ultimately promoting the formation of a normal arch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of insole technology, and more specifically to an orthopedic insole structure for preventing flat feet. Background Technology

[0002] Insoles, being the items that come into closest contact with the soles of the feet, not only provide a soft and comfortable feel but, more importantly, help maintain foot health and prevent related foot diseases. Among foot-related conditions, flat feet caused by collapsed arches, plantar fasciitis, and paronychia are relatively common.

[0003] To address flat feet, a rigid arch support structure is typically added to the arch area of ​​the insole. This improves arch support and helps correct the arch shape. The plantar fascia, a connective tissue running along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes, helps maintain the integrity of the arch, absorbs shock, and plays a crucial role in the foot's natural winding mechanism. The addition of this rigid arch support structure causes the plantar fascia to change from a relatively straight state to a more arched, curved state. This means the plantar fascia is compressed and stretched by the added arch support structure, and this tension is passive and continuous. Because of the passive tension, the muscles and ligaments in the arch of the foot are not actively used to balance body weight, thus reducing the involvement of the plantar fascia and leading to plantar fascia atrophy. Conversely, if the muscles and ligaments in the arch of the foot are used to assist in balancing body weight during a sustained tension state, the plantar fascia is prone to overload, resulting in excessive stretching and tension. Both of these conditions can easily induce plantar fasciitis.

[0004] In addition, because the forefoot and toes lack a clear and reliable positioning reference on the existing insoles, the soles of the feet are not constrained by the reference when walking or exercising, and are prone to sliding freely in the insole. This makes it very easy for the toes to be pushed into or wedged into the relatively narrow end area of ​​the shoe, causing the toes to be squeezed together, which can easily induce diseases such as bunions and paronychia.

[0005] Based on the current situation, simply adding arch support structures to the arch area of ​​the insole is clearly insufficient to effectively prevent or cure flat feet and plantar fasciitis. Furthermore, the lack of a clear and reliable positioning reference in the forefoot area of ​​the insole can easily lead to conditions such as bunions and ingrown toenails. Therefore, a more effective solution needs to be developed to address one or more of these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides an orthopedic insole structure for preventing flat feet. It not only provides a clear and reliable positioning reference for the forefoot and toes on the insole, constraining them and preventing arbitrary sliding, effectively preventing conditions such as hallux valgus and ingrown toenails; but also, by adding a toe flexion groove, it allows the muscles and ligaments of the plantar fascia to be moderately and intermittently tensed and relaxed during walking, increasing active training and correction of the plantar fascia, preventing its atrophy and degeneration, and triggering the plantar fascia to flexibly achieve dynamic balance between tension and relaxation, ultimately promoting the formation of a normal arch.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention is: an orthopedic insole structure for preventing flat feet, comprising an insole body, wherein the upper surface of the forefoot area of ​​the insole body is provided with isolation positioning ribs for positioning and isolating the big toe from the other four toes.

[0008] The isolation and positioning ribs include a forward extension rib for isolating and positioning the big toe and the second toe, a big toe positioning rib for positioning the big toe, and a little toe positioning rib for positioning the other four toes. The forward extension rib, the big toe positioning rib, and the little toe positioning rib converge to form a Y-shaped isolation and positioning rib.

[0009] The front end of the forward-extending rib extends to the front edge of the insole body to more thoroughly isolate the big toe and the second toe. The insole body has a big toe positioning groove at the part corresponding to the big toe, and a little toe positioning groove at the part corresponding to the four toes. The little toe positioning groove facilitates the contraction and force exertion of the flexor digitorum brevis tendon when the foot pushes forward.

[0010] As described above, by setting Y-shaped isolation and positioning ribs, as well as big toe positioning grooves and little toe positioning grooves on the insole body, a clear and reliable positioning reference can be provided for the user's forefoot and toes. When walking or exercising, the forefoot and toes are constrained by the reference, making it less likely for the foot to slide freely in the insole, and preventing the toes from being pushed into or wedged into the relatively narrow end area of ​​the shoe toe. This avoids the risk of bunions, paronychia, and other diseases caused by the squeezing of the toes.

[0011] It should be noted that the isolation and positioning ribs are different from ordinary anti-slip ribs or anti-slip textures. Anti-slip ribs or anti-slip textures mainly serve to prevent slipping, while the isolation and positioning ribs designed in this invention generally have a higher protrusion height, which is intended to fit and fill the toe flexion space between the forefoot and the toes, so as to achieve the functions of positioning and isolation.

[0012] The insole body has a toe flexion groove corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, while the insole body has a flat surface corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joints of the four toes. The flat surface is not a sloping surface that is thicker on the outside and thinner on the inside.

[0013] When walking or exercising, the first foot exerts force on its heel area when taking a step, while the second foot exerts force on the forefoot area when pushing forward. At this time, the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe actively sinks into the flexor digitorum groove. This not only facilitates force generation from the forefoot area of ​​the second foot, enhancing grip, but also guides the big toe to automatically flex backward. Simultaneously, the other four toes are in a coordinated, flat position, and the little toe's positioning groove facilitates the contraction and exertion of the flexor digitorum brevis tendon when the foot pushes forward. This, on the one hand, helps the big toe and the other four toes to stagger vertically, avoiding lateral compression that can lead to conditions like hallux valgus and paronychia; on the other hand, it helps the muscles and ligaments of the plantar fascia to actively tighten, causing the heel bone to converge towards the forefoot, inducing the development and formation of the arch, thus preventing and correcting flat arches and promoting the formation of a normal arch. When the rear foot lifts again to prepare for a step forward, the forefoot area stops exerting force, and the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe naturally and actively rises out of the flexion groove. At this time, the big toe naturally returns from a dorsiflexed state to a straight state, and the muscles and ligaments of the plantar fascia become relaxed. By repeating this process, the muscles and ligaments of the plantar fascia can be moderately and intermittently tightened and relaxed, increasing active training of the plantar fascia, preventing plantar fascia atrophy and degeneration, and triggering the plantar fascia to flexibly achieve dynamic balance, ultimately forming a normal foot arch.

[0014] Preferably, the upper surface of the insole body is also covered with an anti-slip elastic cloth. By configuring the anti-slip elastic cloth, it is not only beneficial to cooperate with the Y-shaped isolation positioning ribs, the big toe positioning groove and the little toe positioning groove to position the forefoot, but also to use its own elasticity to assist the big toe's metatarsophalangeal joint in sinking and floating in the toe flexion groove. Since the anti-slip elastic cloth covers the toe flexion groove, it helps to avoid the problem of dirt accumulation in the toe flexion groove due to external exposure, making cleaning convenient and preventing the accumulation and growth of bacteria.

[0015] Preferably, the insole body has a forefoot shock-absorbing pad on the bottom surface of the forefoot area and a heel shock-absorbing pad on the bottom surface of the heel area. This design helps improve the cushioning and shock absorption performance of the insole body. Improving heel shock absorption performance allows the heel to strike first during running, absorbing and cushioning the impact, preventing excessive upward transmission of ground reaction force, which could damage the knee, and avoid wear and tear on the knee cartilage, leading to bone hyperplasia or bone spurs.

[0016] Preferably, when additional support is needed at the arch of the foot, an elastic support plate can be added to the bottom surface of the insole. This elastic support plate covers the arch and heel areas of the insole, and has a through-hole at the center of the heel. A heel shock-absorbing pad is embedded within this through-hole, and its thickness is greater than that of the elastic support plate, meaning it protrudes outwards from the bottom surface of the elastic support plate. This design helps improve the cushioning and shock absorption performance of the insole. Improved heel shock absorption allows for a heel-first strike during running, absorbing and cushioning the impact, preventing excessive upward transmission of ground reaction force, which could damage the knee, wear down the knee cartilage, and lead to bone hyperplasia or bone spurs.

[0017] Preferably, the elastic support piece extends backward from the junction of the arch and forefoot to the end of the heel, forming a cup-shaped wrap around the heel. The bottom surface of the elastic support piece has an inner groove corresponding to the inner longitudinal arch and an outer groove corresponding to the outer longitudinal arch, thereby improving the elasticity, flexibility, deformation, and recovery ability of the inner and outer sides of the elastic support piece. Furthermore, several transverse grooves are provided at the edge of the inner groove of the elastic support piece to further improve the flexibility of the inner longitudinal arch of the elastic support piece.

[0018] Unlike traditional rigid support plates, this elastic support plate possesses high elasticity and flexibility. It aids in arch support and heel semi-wrapping support and protection during standing, facilitating the transfer and distribution of body weight, increasing the effective gravity transmission contact area, and reducing localized pressure on the insole, making it less prone to deformation. When applied to children's insoles, it also helps to support and limit the weight of children's foot bones, playing a role in skeletal correction.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting Y-shaped isolation and positioning ribs, as well as big toe positioning grooves and little toe positioning grooves on the insole body, this invention provides a clear and reliable positioning reference for the user's forefoot and toes. During walking or exercise, the forefoot and toes are constrained by this reference, making it less likely for the foot to slide freely forward, backward, left, or right on the insole. This prevents the toes from being pushed into or wedged into the relatively narrow end area of ​​the shoe, thus avoiding diseases such as bunions and paronychia caused by the toes squeezing each other. Furthermore, by adding toe flexion grooves, this invention allows the muscles and ligaments of the plantar fascia to be moderately and intermittently tensed and relaxed during walking or exercise. This increases the active training and correction of the plantar fascia, preventing its atrophy and degeneration, and triggering the plantar fascia to flexibly achieve dynamic balance between tension and relaxation, ultimately promoting the formation of a normal arch. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1This is a front view schematic diagram of the orthopedic insole structure for preventing flat feet in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the A-A section structure.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a rear view schematic diagram of the orthopedic insole structure for preventing flat feet in the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 A simplified diagram illustrating the bones and muscles of the foot when the sole is flat on the ground.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a simplified diagram illustrating the changes in the foot bones and muscles under the guidance of the corrective insole of this invention.

[0025] In the diagram: 1—Insole body, 2—Isolation and positioning rib, 2.1—Forward extension rib, 2.2—Big toe positioning rib, 2.3—Little toe positioning rib, 3—Big toe positioning groove, 4—Little toe positioning groove, 5—Toe flexion groove, 6—Forefoot shock absorption pad, 7—Heel shock absorption pad, 8—Elastic support plate, 8.1—Inner groove, 8.2—Outer groove, 8.3—Transverse groove, 9—Anti-slip elastic fabric;

[0026] 11—Plane fascia, 12—Flexor digitorum brevis tendon, 13—Proximal phalanx, 14—Metatarsophalangeal joint, 15—Metatarsal bones, 16—Talus, 17—Calonius, 18—Fat pad, 19—Dorsal curvature of metatarsophalangeal joint, 20—Increased medial arch curvature, 21—Shortened distance between calcaneus and metatarsals. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to understand the technical content of this invention, the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] like Figure 1As shown, an orthopedic insole structure for preventing flat feet includes an insole body 1. The forefoot area of ​​the insole body 1 is provided with an isolation positioning rib 2 for positioning and isolating the big toe from the other four toes. The isolation positioning rib 2 includes a forward extending rib 2.1 for isolating and positioning the big toe and second toe, a big toe positioning rib 2.2 for positioning the big toe, and a little toe positioning rib 2.3 for positioning the other four toes. The forward extending rib 2.1, the big toe positioning rib 2.2, and the little toe positioning rib 2.3 converge to form a Y-shaped isolation positioning rib 2. The isolation positioning rib 2 is integrally formed with the insole body 1. The front end of the forward extending rib 2.1 extends to and is flush with the front edge of the insole body 1 to more thoroughly isolate the user's big toe (i.e., the first toe) and second toe. The insole body 1 has a big toe positioning groove 3 corresponding to the big toe, and a little toe positioning groove 4 corresponding to the four toes. The little toe positioning groove 4 can be four separate little toe positioning grooves, or it can be four separate little toe positioning grooves combined into a whole. The little toe positioning groove 4 facilitates the contraction, flexion, and force exertion of the flexor digitorum brevis tendon of the little toe when the foot pushes forward.

[0030] As described above, by setting Y-shaped isolation and positioning ribs 2, big toe positioning grooves 3 and little toe positioning grooves 4 on the insole body 1, a clear and reliable positioning reference can be provided for the user's forefoot and toes. When walking or exercising, the forefoot and toes are constrained by the reference, making it less likely for the foot to slide freely in the insole, and preventing the toes from being pushed into or wedged into the relatively narrow end area of ​​the shoe toe, thereby avoiding diseases such as bunions and paronychia caused by the squeezing of the toes.

[0031] The insole body 1 has a toe flexion groove 5 at the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. The depth of the toe flexion groove 5 facilitates the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe to sink in and cause the tip of the big toe to lift up. The insole body 1 is flat at the metatarsophalangeal joints of the four toes. This flat surface is not a sloping structure with the outer side higher than the inner side. Although a sloping structure can have a corrective force on the patient's inversion or O-shaped legs, and long-term use can restore the normal tissue structure of the foot, keep the heel in a centered position, and correct the knee joint force deviation caused by inversion or O-shaped legs, this sloping structure is very unfavorable for patients with flat feet or pronation. To avoid this counterproductive effect, in this invention, the insole body 1 is flat at the metatarsophalangeal joints of the four toes.

[0032] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5When walking or exercising, the first foot exerts force on its heel area when taking a step, while the second foot exerts force on the forefoot area when pushing forward. At this time, the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe actively sinks into the flexor groove 5. This not only facilitates force exertion from the forefoot area of ​​the second foot, enhancing grip, but also guides the big toe to automatically flex backward. Simultaneously, the other four toes are in a flat state, working in coordination. The little toe positioning groove 4 facilitates the contraction and force exertion of the flexor digitorum brevis tendon when the foot pushes forward. On one hand, this helps to stagger the big toe and the other four toes vertically, preventing lateral compression that can lead to conditions like hallux valgus and paronychia. On the other hand, it helps the muscles and ligaments of the plantar fascia to actively tighten, causing the heel bone to converge towards the forefoot, inducing the development and formation of the arch, thus preventing and correcting flat arches and promoting the formation of a normal arch. When the rear foot lifts again to prepare for a step forward, the forefoot area stops exerting force, and the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe naturally and actively rises out of the flexion groove 5. At this time, the big toe of the rear foot also naturally returns from a dorsiflexed state to a straight state, and the muscles and ligaments of the plantar fascia become relaxed. By repeating this process, the muscles and ligaments of the plantar fascia can be moderately and intermittently tightened and relaxed, increasing active training of the plantar fascia, preventing plantar fascia atrophy and degeneration, and triggering the plantar fascia to flexibly achieve dynamic balance, ultimately forming a normal foot arch.

[0033] Example 2

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in Example 1, the upper surface of the insole body 1 is also covered with an anti-slip elastic cloth 9. By configuring the anti-slip elastic cloth 9, it is not only beneficial to cooperate with the Y-shaped isolation positioning rib 2, the big toe positioning groove 3, and the little toe positioning groove 4 to position the forefoot, but also to use its own elasticity to assist the big toe's metatarsophalangeal joint in sinking and floating in the toe flexion groove. Since the anti-slip elastic cloth 9 covers the toe flexion groove, it helps to avoid the problem of dirt accumulating easily due to the toe flexion groove being exposed to the outside, making cleaning convenient and also preventing the accumulation and growth of bacteria.

[0035] Example 3

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, based on Embodiment 1 or 2, a forefoot shock-absorbing pad 6 is provided on the bottom surface of the forefoot of the insole body 1, and a heel shock-absorbing pad 7 is provided on the bottom surface of the heel of the insole body 1. This design helps to improve the cushioning and shock absorption performance of the insole body 1. Improving heel shock absorption performance facilitates heel-first strike during running, absorbing cushioning and preventing excessive upward transmission of ground reaction force, which could damage the knee, cause wear and tear on the knee cartilage, and lead to bone hyperplasia or bone spurs.

[0037] Example 4

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, based on Embodiment 1 or 2, a forefoot shock-absorbing pad 6 is provided on the bottom surface of the forefoot of the insole body 1, and a heel shock-absorbing pad 7 is provided on the bottom surface of the heel of the insole body 1. When additional support is needed at the arch, an elastic support plate 8 can be added to the bottom surface of the insole body 1. The elastic support plate 8 is provided on the bottom surface of the arch and heel areas of the insole body 1. A through hole is provided at the center of the heel of the elastic support plate 8, and the heel shock-absorbing pad 7 is embedded in the through hole. The thickness of the heel shock-absorbing pad 7 is greater than the thickness of the elastic support plate, that is, the heel shock-absorbing pad protrudes outward from the bottom surface of the elastic support plate. This design helps to improve the cushioning and shock absorption performance of the insole body. Improving the heel shock absorption performance makes it easier for the heel to strike first when running, absorbing the cushioning and avoiding excessive upward transmission of the ground reaction force, which could damage the knee and prevent wear and tear of the knee cartilage layer, leading to bone hyperplasia or bone spurs.

[0039] Alternatively, when casting the insole body 1, the casting material of the insole body 1 is made to pass through a through hole at the center of the heel of the elastic support sheet 7, thereby forming a heel shock-absorbing pad 8 that is exposed outward and protrudes from the bottom surface of the elastic support sheet.

[0040] Example 5

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, based on Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, or Embodiment 4, when additional support is needed at the arch of the foot, an elastic support piece 8 can be added to the bottom surface of the insole body 1. The elastic support piece 8 extends from the junction of the arch and the forefoot to the end of the heel, forming a cup-shaped wrap around the heel. The bottom surface of the elastic support piece 8 has an inner groove 8.1 corresponding to the inner longitudinal arch, and an outer groove 8.2 corresponding to the outer longitudinal arch. This improves the elasticity, flexibility, and recovery ability of the inner and outer sides of the elastic support piece 8. Furthermore, several transverse grooves 8.3 are provided at the edge of the inner groove of the elastic support piece 8 to further improve the flexibility of the inner longitudinal arch of the elastic support piece.

[0042] The elastic support plate 8 differs from traditional rigid support plates. It possesses high elasticity and flexibility, aiding in arch support and heel semi-wrapping support and protection during standing. It facilitates the transfer and distribution of body weight, increasing the effective gravity transmission contact area, while also reducing localized pressure on the insole, making it less prone to deformation. When applied to children's insoles, it also helps support and limit the movement of children's foot bones, playing a role in skeletal correction.

[0043] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A corrective insole structure for preventing flat feet, comprising an insole body, characterized in that: The upper surface of the forefoot area of ​​the insole body is provided with isolation positioning ribs for positioning and isolating the big toe from the other four toes. The isolation positioning ribs include a front extension rib for isolating and positioning the big toe and the second toe, a big toe positioning rib for positioning the big toe, and a little toe positioning rib for positioning the other four toes. The front extension rib, the big toe positioning rib, and the little toe positioning rib converge to form a Y-shaped isolation positioning rib. The front end of the front extension rib extends to the front edge of the insole body to more thoroughly isolate the big toe and the second toe. The insole body has a toe flexion groove corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, while the insole body has a flat surface corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joints of the four toes. The insole body has a big toe positioning groove at the part corresponding to the big toe, and the insole body has a little toe positioning groove at the part corresponding to the four toes. The insole body has an elastic support plate on the bottom surface of the arch and heel areas. The elastic support plate extends from the junction of the arch and forefoot to the end of the heel, forming a cup-shaped wrap around the heel. The bottom surface of the elastic support plate has an inner groove corresponding to the inner longitudinal arch and an outer groove corresponding to the outer longitudinal arch, to improve the elasticity, flexibility, and recovery ability of the inner and outer sides of the elastic support plate. Furthermore, several transverse grooves are provided from the inner groove to the edge of the elastic support plate to further improve the flexibility of the inner longitudinal arch of the elastic support plate.

2. The orthopedic insole structure for preventing flat feet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the insole body is also covered with a non-slip elastic cloth.

3. The orthopedic insole structure for preventing flat feet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insole body has a forefoot shock-absorbing pad on the bottom surface of the forefoot.

4. The orthopedic insole structure for preventing flat feet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insole body has a heel shock-absorbing pad on the bottom surface at the heel.

5. The orthopedic insole structure for preventing flat feet according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The elastic support sheet has a through hole at the center of its heel, and a shock-absorbing pad is embedded in the through hole. The thickness of the shock-absorbing pad is greater than the thickness of the elastic support sheet.

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