Orthotic shoe sole or insole and shoe for hallux valgus patients

Abstract

The invention relates to a corrective sole (1) or insole for hallux valgus patients, wherein, in the walking or resting position, the corrective sole (1) or insole supports at least the toes I to V and the ball of the foot, in particular the entire foot from the toes I to V to the heel, said corrective sole (1) or insole comprising a main part (14) and a movable part (3) movably connected to the main part (14) so as to rotate in the horizontal plane about an axis (4) in the range of the joint of the toes I and the ball of the foot, there being a cavity (7) in the main part (14) of the sole (1) or insole, inside which a hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, electric or other device is installed, which is connected to the movable part (3) and, in the walking position, causes a horizontal rotation movement transversely away from the main part (14), in particular the movement caused by the compression force exerted on the corrective sole (1) or insole by the patient's own weight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an orthopedic shoe sole or insole for patients with hallux valgus, wherein, during walking or at rest, the orthopedic sole or insole supports at least the toes I to V and the ball of the foot, particularly the entire foot from toes I to V to the heel. The invention further relates to a shoe with an orthopedic sole or insole. Background Technology

[0002] Hallux valgus (bunion) refers to a condition where the first toe (big toe) is in a bent position, extending outwards in the direction of toes II through V from the center of the foot. This condition is called hallux valgus. A change in the direction of the tendon tension in the foot increases the displacement of the first toe. Simultaneously, the first metatarsal bone shifts inwards with its head, ultimately resulting in the classic bunion. Besides aesthetic issues, hallux valgus can cause pressure point pain, skin irritation, swelling, or inflammation due to friction between the bunion and shoes. Consequential damage may include arthritis or overloading of the joints or metatarsals adjacent to toes II through V. This misalignment of the first toe is often caused by genetic predisposition and is usually exacerbated by tight shoes or high heels.

[0003] Until a certain stage, hallux valgus can be treated conservatively, such as non-surgically, through foot exercises or foot splints. Foot exercises for hallux valgus include exercises that promote full range of motion of toe I. Preferably, these exercises are performed by a physical therapist, who unfolds the patient's toe I and returns it to its original position. This unfolding of toe I occurs simultaneously in the vertical plane of its natural curvature (a movement that also occurs during walking) and laterally away from toes II through V. The patient's toe I is then moved back to its original position. In particular, this alleviates the symptoms of hallux valgus, but correction of the deformity is often difficult to achieve through foot exercises alone. Meanwhile, in daily life, flat shoes with sufficient clearance should be worn, especially in the area of ​​toes I through V, and, if necessary, in the area of ​​the big toe joint. Additionally, insoles can be used to support the arch of the foot to prevent the gradual development of splayfoot. In addition, toespreaders, toe pads, support insoles, bunion rollers, and big toe splints (orthotics) are known to treat hallux valgus. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the prior art, the present invention is based on providing an orthotic sole or insole for treating hallux valgus, which allows patients to perform foot exercises as needed to treat hallux valgus.

[0005] According to the present invention, patients with hallux valgus solve the above-mentioned problems by using orthotic soles or insoles, wherein, during walking or at rest, the orthotic sole or insole supports at least the toes I to V and the plantar ball, particularly the entire foot from the toes I to V to the heel. The orthotic sole or insole is characterized by comprising a main part and a component movably connected thereto, the movable element being located below and supporting the toes I, the main part being located at least below and supporting the toes II to V and the plantar ball, and the movable element being movably connected to the main part to rotate about an axis in a horizontal plane within the range of the toe I joint and the foot.

[0006] The orthotic sole or insole according to the invention comprises a main component for supporting toes II to V and at least the transverse arch of the foot, and preferably the longitudinal arch and heel. A movable member is used to support toe I and is movably mounted or securely connected to the main component (if necessary, as a separate part) in the area of ​​the big toe joint. Thus, the movable member can move relative to the main component in a horizontal plane, particularly rotating about an axis within the range of the toe I joint and the ball of the foot. The movement of the movable member relative to the main component is limited by suitable means.

[0007] The relative movement between the movable part and the main component of the orthotic sole or insole, particularly rotational movement in the horizontal direction, preferably occurs during patient walking, and is caused especially by the compressive force exerted on the orthotic sole or insole by the patient's own weight. As a result, when the patient walks, the orthotic sole or insole according to the invention periodically generates movements known from foot exercises to activate the first and second toe joints, thereby allowing the patient to independently perform foot exercises and receive treatment through daily walking. Therefore, the movable part preferably moves in a horizontal plane relative to the main component according to the load on the supported foot, particularly in the form of a pendulum motion, with its axis of rotation located in the area of ​​the second toe joint.

[0008] The orthotic soles or insoles of the present invention enable hallux valgus patients to perform therapeutic foot exercises independently at any time (especially daily), thereby minimizing the cost of hallux valgus treatment. During the walking movements performed, the simultaneous vertical and horizontal movements of toe I activate the joints of toe I and the big toe.

[0009] According to the invention, a cavity is provided in the main component of the sole or insole, located below toes II to V and / or the transverse arch of the foot. This cavity contains a hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, electric, or other device connected to a movable component, which, during walking, causes rotational movement in the horizontal plane to move laterally away from the main component, particularly by the compressive force exerted on the orthotic sole or insole by the patient's own weight. The cavity within the main component may also be formed between the insole and the sole. Therefore, the orthotic sole or insole according to the invention generally includes mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, or other devices for relative movement between the movable component and the main component, particularly during patient walking. For example, this can be achieved by applying a load to the transverse arch and / or toes I to V by the patient's own weight, thereby driving the hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, electric, or other devices.

[0010] In a simplified embodiment of the invention, the device for achieving the rotational movement is a hydraulic device in the form of an elastic sheath filled with gel or other fluid, with a plunger at one end. The plunger is connected to a movable element and is periodically driven by pressure applied to the sheath by the foot at the start of each step. During walking, the patient applies a force to the gel- or liquid-filled sheath using their own weight, which moves the plunger, thereby moving the associated movable element relative to the main component. If the pressure on the sheath is released, the plunger and the associated movable element can return to their original positions.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, the device for implementing the rotary motion is a pneumatic device in the form of an elastic sleeve filled with air or other gas, with a plunger at one end connected to a movable member, and periodically driven by pressure applied to the sleeve by the foot at the beginning of each step. The main difference between the pneumatic and hydraulic types lies in the medium used to move the plunger.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, the device for implementing the rotational motion is a mechanical device in the form of a leaf spring, which is connected to a main component at a first end within a cavity and to a movable component at a second end. The leaf spring is periodically driven by the pressure applied to it by the foot at the start of each step. This embodiment is particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and less prone to failure because it does not require a liquid or gaseous medium, which could leak out if the orthotic sole or insole of the invention is damaged.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the movable member is connected to the main component of the sole or insole via a slat that locks the movable member to one side relative to the main component of the sole at different deployment angles. Generally, the orthotic sole or insole of the present invention includes a device, particularly a mechanical device, for fixing the movable member in different positions relative to the main component, unaffected by the load on the supported foot. Thus, toe I is fixed by the fixed movable member at a distance from toe II, which is supported on the main component, thereby generating vertical movement during walking (foot flexion) and also generating orthotic movements that can be periodically adjusted by a physical therapist, for example, due to different adjustable positions. This is particularly advantageous if the patient finds simultaneous horizontal and vertical movements too painful.

[0014] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the movable member includes a fixing device for the toe I so as to be continuously guided during the resulting horizontal rotational movement. For example, the fixing device is one or more platforms on the movable member or a ring or similar form.

[0015] This problem can be further addressed by shoes incorporating the corrective soles or insoles of this invention. Clearly, such shoes are designed to open at the front, as this simplifies the relative movement between the main components and the movable parts.

[0016] In a convenient embodiment, the sole of the present invention further includes a base plate on which the movable member can move. The base plate is preferably connected to and integrally formed with the main component. The base plate prevents direct contact between the ground and the movable member, thus ensuring that the movement of the movable member is not hindered by friction with the ground. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows: Figure 1 shows different views of the shoe, which uses a first embodiment of the corrective sole of the present invention. Figure 2 shows different views of the shoe, which uses a second embodiment of the corrective sole of the present invention. Figure 3 shows different views of the shoe, illustrating a third embodiment of the sole of the present invention. Figure 1a The image shown is a top view of the shoe on the right foot of a patient with hallux valgus. Figure 1b This is a cross-sectional view of section AA. Figure 1c This is a cross-sectional view of BB. Figure 1d This is a cross-sectional view of the CC section. Figure 2a The mechanical device of the second embodiment, Figure 2b This is a cross-sectional view of section AA. Figure 2c This is a cross-sectional view of BB. Figure 2d This is an enlarged view of the CC section. Figure 2e Enlarged view of the DD section; and Figure 3a This is a top view of the right shoe. Figure 3b This is an enlarged view of section AA. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Figure 1a The image shows a top view of a shoe for a patient with hallux valgus, the shoe featuring the orthotic sole 1 of the present invention. During walking or in a static state, the orthotic sole 1 according to the first embodiment of FIG1 supports the entire foot from toes I to V to the heel. The shoe shown in FIG1 includes the orthotic insole 1 and upper part 2 of the present invention, the upper part 2 preferably being made of an elastic material. Furthermore, the shoe is conveniently open at the front to allow relative movement between toes I and toes II to V, as described below. Alternatively, the shoe may have a corresponding free space for relative movement.

[0019] The feet of the person wearing shoes are represented by dashed lines in Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 1a The orthotic sole 1 of the shoe shown in Figure 1 includes a main component 14 and a component 3 movably connected thereto. The movable component 3 is located below and supports the toe I, while the main component 14 is located below and supports the toe II to V and the ball of the foot at least. According to the first embodiment of Figure 1, the main component 14 supports the foot in the area from the toe II to V up to the heel.

[0021] The movable member 3 is movably connected to the main component 14 via a connector 5. Relative movement between the movable member 3 and the main component 14 is ensured, for example, by the elasticity of the material used and can be supported by a recess in the form of a rounding 6. Specifically, the rounding 6 prevents cracking caused by the tensile process resulting from the relative movement between the movable member 3 and the main component 14. The connector 5 between the movable member 3 and the main component 14 can be integrally formed, so that both are made from the same basic component, or the connector 5 can be manufactured separately and then subsequently joined together.

[0022] The connector 5 between the movable part 3 and the main component 14 is designed to allow the movable part 3 to rotate about the axis 4 in a horizontal plane within the range of the toe I joint and the ball of the foot. The axis of rotation 4 is preferably located in the area of ​​the toe I joint (big toe joint).

[0023] Figure 1b and 1c They respectively show along Figure 1a A cross-sectional view of lines AA and BB. Specifically, from... Figure 1b and 1c As can be seen, the cavity 7 is located in the front region of the main component 14 of the sole 1, particularly below the toes II to V. According to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, a hydraulic device is installed in this cavity, which is connected to the movable part 3, and during walking, causes the rotation in the horizontal plane to move laterally away from the main component 14, particularly the movement caused by the compressive force exerted on the orthotic sole 1 by the patient's own weight.

[0024] The hydraulic device includes, for example, an elastic sleeve 8 located within a cavity 7. This sleeve 8 is filled with a gel or other fluid 9. On one side near the end face of the movable member 3, the sleeve 8 includes a plunger 10. For example, the plunger 10 is designed as a bellows, and in particular, the tube profile may be threaded. In this case, the plunger 10, especially the bellows, is made of a material with higher strength than the elastic sleeve 8. The closed tail end 11 of the plunger 10 is connected to the movable member 3. The resulting hydraulic device is periodically driven by pressure applied by the foot at the start of each step, particularly the pressure acting on the elastic sleeve 8, causing the plunger 10 to move the movable member 3 relative to the main member 14 and causing rotational motion in the horizontal plane laterally away from the main member 14.

[0025] A compression spring can be inserted into the plunger 10, particularly into the bellows, to accommodate the mechanical properties of the hydraulic system, specifically to generate a preload. This allows the pressure required to create relative movement between the movable part 3 and the main component 14 to be adapted to the individual needs of the patient.

[0026] Ideally, an elevation 12 should be provided on the side of the movable member 3 facing toe II to ensure that toe I moves together with the movable member 3. Therefore, the main member 14 has an elevation 13 on the side facing toe I to fix toe II, and further fix toes III to V to the main member 14. Details of the elevation 12 of the movable member 3 and the elevation 13 of the main member 14 can be found in [link to details]. Figure 1c Alternatively, a bracket, ring, or similar device may be used instead of platform 12 and / or platform 13 to secure toe I to movable part 3, or at least toe II to main part 14.

[0027] During walking, the heel lifts, the toes enter a horizontal position, and the entire weight of the person presses on the elastic sleeve 8. The plunger 10 opens and extends the movable member 3 to one side. The platform 12 on the movable member 3 ensures that toe I moves together with the movable member 3. During each step, toe I moves simultaneously in two planes: a vertical plane with the other toes II to V, and a lateral opening / swinging movement with the movable member 3, away from toes II to V. When the compressive force is no longer applied, the movable member 3 and toe I return to their initial position.

[0028] If the patient stands on their toes, pressure is always applied to the hydraulic device. At this time, the movable part 3 will correspondingly spread toe I onto toe II to V, which is equivalent to a hallux valgus patient doing corrective exercises.

[0029] The specific usage method, the frequency and amplitude of the relative movement of the movable part 3, shall be determined by the physician, especially the orthopedic surgeon.

[0030] Figure 2a -e shows various views of the shoe, which uses a second embodiment of the corrective sole 1 of the present invention. The second embodiment of FIG2 differs from the first embodiment of FIG1 in that the cavity 7 does not have a hydraulic device installed, which is connected to the movable member 3 and causes the rotational movement on the horizontal plane to move laterally away from the main member 14 during walking, but is equipped with a mechanical device, which is connected to the movable member 3 and causes the rotational movement on the horizontal plane to move laterally away from the main member 14 during walking.

[0031] Figure 2a The mechanical device of the second embodiment of -e includes a leaf spring 15 with a first end 16. The leaf spring 15 is connected to the main component 14 of the sole 1 via a connector 17 through the first end 16. At the connection between the main component 14 and the movable component 3, the leaf spring 15 is inserted into a slot 18 of the movable component 3 and connected to the movable component 3 via a shaft 19. The leaf spring 15 has an elongated hole 20 in the first end 16 for the shaft 19, which, when connected to the movable component 3, can compensate for the offset of the shaft 19 during the swinging / pendulum motion of the movable component 3. Specific details in this regard can be found in... Figure 2d and 2e As seen in the images, these figures are respectively along... Figure 2a A cross-sectional view of the CC and DD lines.

[0032] Leaf spring 15 has an upwardly curved region 21, particularly that it can be drawn from... Figure 2b The cross-sectional view shows that, among them Figure 2b For along Figure 2a A cross-sectional view of line AA. The upper curved region 21 of the leaf spring 15 presses against the upper plane of the cavity 7 from below, as shown. Figure 2b As shown.

[0033] There is a platform 12 on the movable part 3 and a platform 13 on the main part 14, corresponding to the first embodiment shown in FIG1, used to fix toe I or toe II to V during relative movement between the movable part 3 and the main part 14.

[0034] Figure 3 shows various views of the shoe, with the shoe belt representing a third embodiment of the sole 1 of the present invention. Figure 3a The image shows a top view of the right shoe, equipped with the corrective sole 1 of the present invention for patients with hallux valgus. The corrective sole 1 of the third embodiment shown in Figure 3 supports the entire foot from toes I to V to the heel during walking or at rest. The shoe shown in Figure 3 includes the corrective insole 1 and top 2 of the present invention, the latter preferably made of an elastic material. Furthermore, the shoe is conveniently designed to open at the front to allow for flexible adjustment of the distance between toes I and II to V, as described below. Alternatively, the shoe may have corresponding free space for adjustment.

[0035] The foot of the person wearing shoes is represented by a dashed line in Figure 3.

[0036] The orthotic sole 1 of the shoe shown in Figure 3 includes a main component 14 and a component 3 movably connected thereto. The movable component 3 is located below and supports the toe I, while the main component 14 is located below and supports the toes II to V and the ball of the foot at least. According to the third embodiment shown in Figure 3, the main component 14 supports the foot in the area from the toes II to V up to the heel.

[0037] The movable member 3 is movably connected to the main component 14 via a connector 5. For example, the relative movement between the movable member 3 and the main component 14 is ensured by the elasticity of the material used, and support is provided by a recess in the form of an arcuate portion 6. In particular, the arcuate portion 6 prevents cracking caused by the stretching process resulting from the relative movement between the movable member 3 and the main component 14. The connector 5 between the movable member 3 and the main component 14 can be integrally formed, so that both are made from the same basic component, or the connector 5 can be manufactured separately and then subsequently connected.

[0038] The connector 5 between the movable part 3 and the main component 14 is designed to allow the movable part 3 to rotate about axis 4 in a horizontal plane within the range of the toe I joint and the ball of the foot. The rotation axis 4 is preferably located within the area of ​​the toe I joint (big toe joint).

[0039] and Figure 1a The first embodiment shown in -d and Figure 2a Compared to the second embodiment shown in Figure 3, in the third embodiment shown in Figure 3, the movable member 3 is connected to the main component 14 of the sole 1 via a slat 22. The slat 22 allows the movable member 3 to be locked to one side relative to the main component 14 of the sole 1 at different unfolding angles, for example, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3b Details.

[0040] The slat 22 is connected at one end to the main component 14 via a first pin 23. The first pin 23 is locked from below (e.g., threaded) to a first protrusion 25 of the slat 22 through an opening in the main component 14 of the sole 1. At the other end, in the region of the movable member 3, the slat 22 has a second protrusion 26 for a second pin 27. The movable member 3 of the sole 1 has a plurality of openings 24 for the second pin 27 so that the second pin 27 can pass through one of the openings 24 and be locked onto the second protrusion 26. Thus, the distance between the main component 14 and the movable member 3 is adjusted by selecting the opening 24, through which the second pin 27 is locked onto the second protrusion 26.

[0041] Therefore, toe I is fixed at a certain distance from toe II by a fixed movable part 3, the latter being supported on the main component 14, thereby generating vertical movement through walking movements (foot flexion). This also produces a corrective exercise movement that can be periodically adjusted by a physical therapist, for example, due to different adjustable positions. This is particularly advantageous if the patient finds performing both horizontal and vertical movements too painful.

[0042] Attached Figure Reference Symbol Definitions 1 shoe sole 2 top 3 movable parts 4. Rotation axis (range of the first toe joint) 5. Movable parts, fasteners / connectors 6. Arc section 7 cavity 8 elastic sheaths 9 liquids 10 plungers 11. Tail end component (plunger) 12 raised platforms (movable parts) 13. Elevated Platform (Main Component) 14 main components 15-leaf spring 16 First End 17 Fasteners 18 grooves (movable parts) 19-axis 20 narrow holes (leaf spring) 21-leaf spring bending area 22 strips 23 First Sale 24 openings 25 First protrusion 26 Second protrusion 27 Second Selling

Claims

1. Orthopedic shoe soles for patients with hallux valgus (1), wherein, When walking or at rest, the corrective sole (1) supports at least the toes I to V and the ball of the foot. The corrective sole (1) includes a main component (14) and a movable component (3) connected thereto. The movable component (3) is located below and supports the toe I, and the main component (14) is located at least below and supports the toes II to V and the ball of the foot. The movable member (3) is movably connected to the main component (14) so ​​as to rotate about an axis (4) in the horizontal plane within the range of the toe joint and the ball of the foot. Its features are: Below the toes II to V and / or the transverse arch of the foot, there is a cavity (7) within the main component (14) of the orthotic sole (1), in which a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric device is installed, which is connected to the movable part (3) and causes a rotational movement in the horizontal plane laterally away from the main component (14) during walking. This rotational movement includes movement caused by the pressure exerted on the orthotic sole (1) by the patient's own weight.

2. The corrective sole (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The corrective sole (1) supports the entire foot from the toes I to V to the heel.

3. The corrective sole (1) according to claim 1, in, The device used to achieve the rotational motion is a hydraulic device in the form of an elastic sheath (8) filled with gel (9) and with a plunger (10) at the end, which is connected to the movable part (3) and is periodically driven by the pressure applied to the sheath (8) by the foot at the beginning of each step.

4. The corrective sole (1) according to claim 1, in, The device used to achieve the rotational motion is a pneumatic device in the form of an elastic sheath (8) filled with air and with a plunger (10) at the end, which is connected to the movable part (3) and is periodically driven by the pressure applied to the sheath (8) by the foot at the beginning of each step.

5. A shoe comprising the corrective sole (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Orthopedic shoe soles for patients with hallux valgus (1), wherein, When walking or at rest, the corrective sole (1) supports at least the toes I to V and the ball of the foot. The corrective sole (1) includes a main component (14) and a movable component (3) connected thereto. The movable component (3) is located below and supports the toe I, and the main component (14) is located at least below and supports the toes II to V and the ball of the foot. The movable member (3) is movably connected to the main component (14) so ​​as to rotate about an axis (4) in the horizontal plane within the range of the toe joint and the ball of the foot. Its features are: Below the toes II to V and / or the transverse arch of the foot, there is a cavity (7) within the main component (14) of the orthotic sole (1), in which a mechanical device is installed, which is connected to the movable part (3) and causes a rotational movement in the horizontal plane laterally away from the main component (14) during walking. This rotational movement includes movement caused by the pressure exerted on the orthotic sole (1) by the patient's own weight.

7. The corrective sole (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The corrective sole (1) supports the entire foot, from the toes I to V to the heel.

8. The corrective sole (1) according to claim 6, in, The device used to achieve the rotational motion is a mechanical device in the form of a leaf spring (15), with a first end (16) connected to the cavity (7) of the main component (14) and a second end connected to the movable part (3), the leaf spring (15) being periodically driven by pressure applied to the leaf spring (15) by the foot at the beginning of each step.

9. The corrective sole (1) according to claim 6, in, The movable part (3) is connected to the main component (14) of the orthotic sole (1) by a slat (22) such that the movable part (3) is locked to one side of the main component (14) of the orthotic sole (1) at different unfolding angles.

10. A shoe comprising the corrective sole (1) as described in any one of claims 6 to 9.

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