Orthopedic soles or insoles and shoes for people with hallux valgus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an orthopedic sole (1) or insole for individuals with hallux valgus, the sole or insole supporting at least the first through fifth toes and the ball of the foot during walking or resting, the sole or insole comprising a main part (14) and a movable element (3) movably connected thereto, the movable element (3) being positioned under and supporting the first toe, the main part (14) being positioned under and supporting at least the second through fifth toes and the ball of the foot, the movable element (3) being movably connected to the main part (14) for rotation about an axis (4) in a horizontal plane within the range of the joint of the first toe and the ball of the foot. The main part (14) has a cavity (7) beneath the second to fifth toes and / or the transverse arch of the foot, in which cavity is fitted a hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, electrical or other device connected to a mobile element (3), which device induces a rotational movement in a horizontal plane laterally away from the main part (14) during walking movements, in particular as a result of the pressure exerted on the sole or insole by the patient's body weight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an orthopedic (corrective) shoe sole or insole for a person with hallux valgus, and the orthopedic shoe sole or insole supports at least the first to fifth toes and the ball of the big toe, particularly the entire foot from the first to fifth toes to the heel, during walking or at rest. The present invention further relates to a shoe having an orthopedic (corrective) shoe sole or insole.

Background Art

[0002] Hallux valgus (bunion of the big toe) is a name given to the bent position of the first toe where the first toe deviates outward, that is, extends in the direction of the second to fifth toes from the center of the body. This is called hallux valgus. The direction in which the tendon of the foot is pulled changes, increasing the displacement of the first toe. At the same time, the first metatarsal bone deviates inward together with its head, resulting in a typical bunion. In addition to aesthetic problems, hallux valgus can cause painful pressure points, skin irritation, swelling or inflammation, for example, due to the protruding bunion being rubbed on footwear. The resulting damage may include arthrosis or overload of the adjacent joints of the second to fifth toes or the joints of the metatarsal bones. This positional abnormality of the first toe is often caused by genetic factors and is usually exacerbated by wearing tight shoes or high-heel shoes.

[0003] Up to a certain stage, hallux valgus can be conservatively treated non-surgically, for example, by wearing foot exercises or foot splints. Foot exercises for the treatment of hallux valgus include movements that promote free movement of the first toe in all directions. Preferably, the foot movements are performed by a physiotherapist and consist of the physiotherapist spreading the patient's first toe and returning it to its original position. This spreading movement of the first toe is performed simultaneously in the vertical plane of its natural flexion (a movement that also occurs during walking) and horizontally away from the second to fifth toes. The patient's first toe is then returned to its original position. This particularly relieves the symptoms of hallux valgus, but correction of the deformity is usually not achieved by foot exercises. At the same time, flat shoes with sufficient clearance, especially in the area of the first to fifth toes and, if necessary, in the area of the big toe joint, should be worn in daily life. Furthermore, insoles can be worn to support the arch of the foot and stop the progression of flat feet. Additionally, for the treatment of hallux valgus, toe spreaders, toe pads, supportive insoles, bunion rollers, and big toe splints (orthoses) are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the above prior art, the present invention is based on the problem of providing an orthopedic (corrective) shoe sole or insole for the treatment of hallux valgus, and the present invention enables a patient to perform foot movements for the treatment of hallux valgus at any time and as frequently as necessary.

[0006] According to the present invention, this problem is solved by an orthopedic shoe sole or insole for a person with hallux valgus, and the orthopedic shoe sole or insole supports at least the first to fifth toes and the ball of the big toe, particularly the entire foot from the first to fifth toes to the heel, during walking or at rest. And the orthopedic shoe sole or insole includes a main part and an element movably connected thereto, the movable element is located and supported under the first toe, the main part is located and supported under at least the second to fifth toes and the ball of the big toe, and the movable element is movably connected to the main part so as to rotate about an axis in a horizontal plane within the range of the first toe and the joints of the foot.

[0007] The orthopedic shoe sole or insole according to the present invention comprises a main part that serves to support the second to fifth toes as well as at least the transverse arch of the foot, preferably also the longitudinal arch and the heel. The movable element serves to support the first toe and is movably attached or rigidly connected to the main part in the region of the big toe joint (optionally as a separate element). Thereby, the movable element can move in a horizontal plane relative to the main part and can rotate about an axis, particularly within the range of the joints of the first toe and the ball of the big toe. The movement of the movable element relative to the main part is restricted by appropriate means.

[0008] The relative movement, particularly the rotational movement in the horizontal direction, between the movable element and the main part of the orthopedic shoe sole or insole is preferably caused by the compressive force applied to the orthopedic shoe sole or insole, particularly by the patient's own body weight, during the patient's walking movement. As a result, the orthopedic shoe sole or insole according to the present invention periodically generates, when the patient walks, the movements known from foot gymnastics for moving the joints of the first toe and the big toe, and as a result, the patient can independently perform a healing foot gymnastics by walking every day. Therefore, the movable element preferably moves in a horizontal plane relative to the main part in the form of a pendulum movement, particularly depending on the load on the supported foot, and particularly with the axis of rotation located in the region of the big toe joint.

[0009] The orthopedic insole or midsole according to the present invention enables a patient with hallux valgus to perform healing foot movements independently at any time, particularly on a daily basis, thereby minimizing the cost of hallux valgus treatment. The simultaneous vertical and horizontal movements of the big toe during the walking motion performed cause the joints of the big toe and the first toe to move.

[0010] According to the present invention, there are cavities in the main part of the insole or midsole under the second to fifth toes and / or the transverse arch of the foot, and hydraulic (hydraulic), mechanical, pneumatic, electrical or other devices are incorporated therein, which are connected to movable elements and cause rotational movement in a horizontal plane away from the main part during the walking motion, particularly caused by the compressive force induced on the orthopedic insole or midsole by the patient's own body weight. The cavity in the main part can also be formed between the midsole and the insole. Therefore, the orthopedic insole or midsole according to the present invention generally comprises mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical or other means for performing relative movement between the movable element and the main part, particularly during the patient's walking motion. For example, this is done by loading the patient's own body weight on the transverse arch and / or the first to fifth toes, thereby activating hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, electrical or other devices.

[0011] In an advantageous variant of the present invention, the device for performing the rotational movement is in the form of an elastic sheath filled with gel or other fluid and is a hydraulic device (hydraulic device) having a plunger at the end, the plunger being connected to the movable element and being periodically actuated by the pressure applied to the sheath by the foot at the start of each step. During the walking motion, the patient applies a force to the sheath filled with gel or other liquid by their own body weight, thereby moving the plunger, and thus the movable element connected to the plunger, relative to the main part. When the pressure on the sheath is released, the plunger and the associated movable element can return to their original positions.

[0012] According to an alternative variant of the present invention, the device for performing a rotational movement is a pneumatic device in the form of an elastic sheath filled with air or another gas, with a plunger at one end, the plunger being connected to the movable element and being periodically actuated by the pressure applied to the sheath by the foot at the start of each step. The pneumatic variant differs mainly from the hydraulic variant in the medium used to move the plunger.

[0013] According to a further variant of the present invention, the device for performing a rotational movement is a mechanical device in the form of a leaf spring connected to the main part at the first end within a cavity and to the movable element at the second end, the leaf spring being periodically actuated by the pressure applied to the leaf spring by the foot at the start of each step. This variant is particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture and is less prone to failure as it does not require a liquid or gaseous medium that could escape in the event of damage to the orthopaedic sole or insole according to the invention.

[0014] In another variant according to the present invention, the movable element is connected to the main part of the sole or insole by a plate, whereby the movable element can be locked laterally relative to the main part of the sole at various spreading angles. In general, the orthopaedic sole or insole according to the present invention comprises means, in particular mechanical means, for fixing the movable element relative to the main part at various positions, independently of the load on the supported foot. Thus, the big toe is fixed by a fixed movable element at a certain distance from the second toe supported by the main part, whereby a vertical movement is generated by the walking movement (flexion of the foot), which also generates a corrective gymnastic movement that can be periodically adjusted by a physiotherapist, for example because the adjustable positions are different. This is particularly advantageous when the simultaneous movement in the horizontal and vertical directions is too painful for the patient.

[0015] According to a further advantageous variant of the present invention, the movable element comprises a fixture for the big toe so that it is always guided during the generation of the horizontal rotational movement. The fixture is formed, for example, as one or more ridges on the movable element or as a loop or the like.

[0016] (The problem of) the present invention is further solved by a shoe comprising an orthopedic sole or insole according to the present invention. Advantageously, the shoe is designed as a shoe that opens at the front, which is for simplifying the relative movement between the main part and the movable element.

[0017] In an advantageous variant, the sole of the shoe according to the present invention further comprises a base plate that can move the movable element. The base plate is preferably connected to and integrally formed with the main part. The base plate prevents direct contact between the ground and the movable element, and as a result, the movement of the movable element is not hindered by friction with the ground.

[0018] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1a

Figure 1b

Figure 1c

Figure 1d

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Figure 2c

Figure 2d

Figure 2e

Figure 3a

Figure 3b

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] FIG. 1a shows a top view of a right shoe provided with an orthopedic shoe sole 1 according to the present invention for a person with hallux valgus. The orthopedic shoe sole 1 according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1 supports the entire foot from the first to the fifth toes to the heel during walking or at rest. The shoe of FIG. 1 comprises an orthopedic insole 1 according to the present invention and an upper part 2 preferably made of an elastic material. Further, the shoe is advantageously open at the front in order to enable relative movement between the first toe and the second to fifth toes, as described below. Alternatively, the shoe can have a corresponding free space for relative movement.

[0021] In FIG. 1, the foot of the shoe wearer is shown by a dashed line.

[0022] The orthopedic shoe sole 1 of the shoe of FIG. 1 comprises a main part 14 and an element 3 movably connected thereto. The movable element 3 is located under and supports the first toe, and the main part 14 is located under and supports at least the second to fifth toes and the ball of the big toe. According to the first exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the main part 14 supports the foot in the region from the second to the fifth toes to the heel.

[0023] The movable element 3 is movably connected to the main part 14 via the connecting part 5. The relative movement between the movable element 3 and the main part 14 is reliably effected, for example, by the elasticity of the materials used and can be supported by the recess in the form of the rounding 6. In particular, the rounding 6 prevents cracks due to the stretching process resulting from the relative movement between the movable element 3 and the main part 14. The connecting part 5 between the movable element 3 and the main part 14 may be integrally formed such that both are made from the same basic part, or may be a subsequently manufactured connecting part 5 such that both are manufactured separately and subsequently connected.

[0024] The connecting part 5 between the movable element 3 and the main part 14 is designed such that the movable element 3 can rotate about the axis 4 in the horizontal plane within the limits of the joint of the first toe and the metatarsal head. The axis of rotation 4 is preferably located in the region of the joint of the first toe (hallux joint).

[0025] Figures 1b and 1c each show a cross-sectional view along the lines A-A and B-B of Figure 1a. In particular, as can be seen from Figures 1b and 1c, the cavity 7 is located in the front region of the main part 14 of the shoe sole 1, in particular under the second to fifth toes. According to the first exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, a hydraulic device is mounted in this cavity, which hydraulic device is connected to the movable element 3 and causes a rotational movement in the horizontal plane away from the main part 14, which is caused by the compressive force caused, during the walking movement, in particular by the patient's own weight, on the orthopaedic shoe sole 1.

[0026] The hydraulic device includes, for example, an elastic sheath 8 within the cavity 7. This sheath 8 is filled with a gel or other fluid 9. On the side adjacent to the end face of the movable element 3, the sheath 8 includes a plunger 10. This plunger 10 is designed, for example, as a corrugated tube, and the tube shape is particularly in the form of a thread. In this case, the plunger 10, particularly the corrugated tube, is made of a material having a higher strength than the elastic sheath 8. The closed end piece 11 of the plunger 10 is connected to the movable element 3. The hydraulic device thus formed is periodically actuated by the pressure applied by the foot at the start of each step. In particular, pressure is applied to the elastic sheath 8, causing the plunger 10 to move the movable element 3 relative to the main part 14, and causing a rotational movement in a horizontal plane that moves laterally away from the main part 14.

[0027] To adapt the mechanical characteristics of the hydraulic device, in particular to generate a preload, a compression spring can be inserted into the plunger 10, particularly the corrugated tube. Thereby, the pressure required to generate a relative movement between the movable element 3 and the main part 14 can be adapted to the individual needs of the patient.

[0028] It is advantageous to have a raised portion 12 on the side of the movable element 3 facing the second toe, whereby the first toe can be reliably moved together with the movable element 3. Thus, the main part 14 can have a raised portion 13 on the side facing the first toe, whereby the second toe, and thus the third to fifth toes, are fixed to the main part 14. The raised portion 12 of the movable element 3 and the raised portion 13 of the main part 14 are shown in detail in FIG. 1c. Instead of the raised portion 12 and / or the raised portion 13, brackets, loops, etc. can also be used to fix the first toe on the movable element 3 or at least the second toe on the main part 14.

[0029] When walking, the heel of the foot is lifted, the toe of the foot is in a horizontal position, and the entire body weight of the person presses on the elastic sheath 8. The plunger 10 pushes and expands the movable element 3 laterally (sideways). The ridge 12 on the movable element 3 ensures that the first toe moves with the movable element 3. Thus, during each step, the first toe simultaneously performs movements in two planes, namely, a movement in the vertical plane together with the other second to fifth toes, and a lateral spreading / pendulum movement in the horizontal plane together with the movable element 3 away from the second to fifth toes. When the compressive force is no longer applied, the movable element 3 and the first toe return to their initial positions.

[0030] If a person remains standing on the toes, pressure is constantly applied to the hydraulic device, and accordingly, the movable element 3 spreads the first toe apart from the second to fifth toes during this time, which also corresponds to the corrective gymnastics exercise for hallux valgus patients.

[0031] The specific method of use, the frequency and amplitude of the relative movement of the movable element 3 are specified by a doctor, especially an orthopedic surgeon.

[0032] Figure 2 shows various views of a shoe according to a second embodiment of the orthopedic shoe sole 1 according to the present invention. The second embodiment of Figure 2 is different from the first embodiment of Figure 1 in that there is no hydraulic device attached in the cavity 7 that is connected to the movable element 3 and causes a rotational movement in the horizontal plane away from the main part 14 during the walking movement, and there is a mechanical device that is connected to the movable element 3 and causes a rotational movement in the horizontal plane away from the main part 14 during the walking movement.

[0033] The mechanical device according to the second embodiment of FIG. 2 comprises a leaf spring 15 having (both) ends 16. The leaf spring 15 is connected to the main part 14 of the sole 1 at its right end 16 via a connecting element 17. The leaf spring 15 is inserted into the groove 18 of the movable element 3 at the joint between the main part 14 and the movable element 3 and is connected to the movable element 3 by a shaft 19. The leaf spring 15 has an elongated hole 20 for the shaft 19 at the end 16 connected to the movable element 3, whereby the offset of the shaft 19 occurring during the rocking / pendulum movement of the movable member 3 can be compensated. This detail can be seen in FIGS. 2d and 2e, which respectively show cross-sectional views along lines C-C and D-D of FIG. 2a.

[0034] As can be seen particularly from the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2b (FIG. 2b shows a cross-sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 2a), the leaf spring 15 has an upwardly curved region 21. The upwardly curved region 21 of the leaf spring 15 presses the upper surface of the cavity 7 from below, as shown in FIG. 2b.

[0035] Corresponding to the first embodiment example of FIG. 1, the movable element 3 has a ridge 12 and the main part 14 has a ridge 13, which fix the first toe or the second to fifth toes during the relative movement between the movable element 3 and the main part 14.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows various views of a shoe having a third embodiment of the sole 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 3a shows a top view of a right shoe with an orthopedic sole 1 according to the present invention for a person with a hallux valgus. The orthopedic sole 1 according to the third embodiment of FIG. 3 supports the entire foot from the first to fifth toes to the heel during walking or at rest. The shoe of FIG. 3 comprises an orthopedic insole 1 according to the present invention and an upper 2 preferably made of an elastic material. Further, the shoe is advantageously designed to open at the front in order to flexibly adjust the distance between the first toe and the second to fifth toes, as described below. Alternatively, the shoe can have a corresponding free space for adjustment.

[0037] In FIG. 3, the foot of the shoe wearer is shown by a dashed line.

[0038] The orthopedic sole 1 of the shoe in Fig. 3 comprises a main part 14 and an element 3 movably connected thereto. The movable element 3 is positioned and supported under the first toe, and the main part 14 is positioned and supported at least under the second to fifth toes and the metatarsal head. According to the third exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, the main part 14 supports the foot in the region from the second to fifth toes to the heel.

[0039] The movable element 3 is movably connected to the main part 14 via a connection part 5. The relative movement between the movable element 3 and the main part 14 is reliably effected, for example, by the elasticity of the materials used and can be supported by a depression in the form of a rounding 6. In particular, the rounding 6 prevents cracks due to the stretching process resulting from the relative movement between the movable element 3 and the main part 14. The connection part 5 between the movable element 3 and the main part 14 may be integrally formed such that both are made from the same basic component, or may be a subsequently manufactured connection part 5 such that both are manufactured separately and subsequently connected.

[0040] The connection part 5 between the movable element 3 and the main part 14 is designed such that the movable element 3 can rotate about an axis 4 in a horizontal plane within the limits of the joints of the first toe and the metatarsal head. The axis of rotation 4 is preferably located in the region of the joint of the first toe (hallux joint).

[0041] In contrast to the first embodiment of Fig. 1 and the second embodiment of Fig. 2, in the third embodiment of Fig. 3, the movable element 3 is connected to the main part 14 of the sole 1 of the shoe via a plate 22, by means of which (the plate), the movable element 3 can be locked laterally (away) relative to the main part 14 of the sole 1 at various spreading angles, as shown in detail in Fig. 3b for example.

[0042] The plate 22 is connected to the main part 14 at one end via the first pin 23. The first pin 23 is locked (e.g., screwed) from below through the opening of the main part 14 of the sole plate 1 into the first bulging part 25 of the plate 22. At the other end, in the region of the movable element 3, the plate 22 has a second bulging part 26 for the second pin 27. The movable member 3 of the sole 1 has a plurality of openings 24 for the second pin 27, and as a result, the second pin 27 can pass through one of the plurality of openings 24 and be locked into the second bulging part 26. Thereby, the distance between the main part 14 and the movable element 3 is adjusted by the selection of the opening 24 where the second pin 27 is locked within the second bulging part 26 through it.

[0043] Therefore, the first toe is fixed by the movable element 3 fixed at a certain distance from the second toe supported by the main part 14, whereby vertical movement is generated by the walking movement (flexion of the foot), which also generates corrective gymnastic movements that can be regularly adjusted by a physiotherapist, for example, because the adjustable positions are different. This is particularly advantageous when simultaneous movements in the horizontal and vertical directions are too painful for the patient.

Explanation of Signs

[0044] 1 shoe sole 2 upper part 3 movable element 4 rotation axis (limit of the joint of the first toe) 5 fixed / connection part movable element 6 roundness 7 cavity 8 elastic sheath 9 fluid / liquid 10 plunger 11 end piece (plunger) 12 bulging part (movable element) 13 bulging part (main part) 14 main part 15 leaf spring 16 end of the leaf spring 17 fastening element 18 Groove (movable element) 19 Shaft 20 Elongated hole (leaf spring) 21 Curved leaf spring 22 Plate 23 First pin 24 Opening 25 First bulge 26 Second bulge 27 Second pin

[0045] [Explanation of characters in the figure] "Schnitte" in Fig. 1b means "cross-section". "Schnitte" in Fig. 2b means "cross-section". "C-C(VeRGRoBeRT)" in Fig. 2d means "C-C (enlarged)". "D-D(VeRGRoBeRT)" in Fig. 2e means "D-D (enlarged)".

Claims

1. An orthopedic sole (1) or insole for people with hallux valgus, comprising: An orthopedic sole (1) or insole supporting at least the first toe and the ball of the foot during walking or at rest, the orthopedic sole (1) or insole comprising a main part (14) and a movable element (3) movably connected to the main part (14), the movable element (3) positioned under and supporting the first toe, the main part (14) positioned under and supporting at least the second toe and the ball of the foot, the movable element (3) movably connected to the main part (14) to rotate about an axis (4) in a horizontal plane within the limits of the joints of the first toe and the ball of the foot, a cavity (7) is present in the main portion (14) of the sole (1) or insole under the second to fifth toes and / or the transverse arch of the foot; an apparatus is mounted in the cavity (7) and connected to the movable element (3) and which causes the movable element (3) to undergo a rotational movement in a horizontal plane laterally away from the main part (14) during walking movements, caused by pressure exerted on the sole (1) or insole by the patient's own weight.

2. 2. An orthopedic sole or insole according to claim 1, wherein the device for causing the rotational movement is a hydraulic device in the form of an elastic sheath (8) filled with a gel or other fluid (9) and having a plunger (10) at its end, said plunger (10) being connected to the movable element (3) and being cyclically actuated by the pressure exerted by the foot on the sheath (8) at the beginning of each step.

3. 2. An orthopedic sole or insole according to claim 1, wherein the device for causing the rotational movement is a pneumatic device in the form of an elastic sheath (8) filled with air or other gas and having a plunger (10) at its end, said plunger (10) being connected to the movable element (3) and being cyclically actuated by the pressure exerted by the foot on the sheath (8) at the beginning of each step.

4. 2. The orthopedic sole or insole according to claim 1, wherein the device for causing the rotational movement is a mechanical device made in the form of a leaf spring (15) having a first end (16) connected within the cavity (7) of the main part (14) and a second end (16) connected to the movable element (3), the leaf spring (15) being cyclically actuated by the pressure exerted on the leaf spring (15) by the foot at the beginning of each step.

5. 2. The orthopedic sole or insole of claim 1, wherein the movable element (3) is connected to the main part (14) of the sole (1) or insole via a plate (22) that allows the movable element (3) to be locked away laterally relative to the main part (14) at various spread angles.

6. A shoe comprising an orthopedic sole or insole according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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