Hallux valgus orthosis

Abstract

Provided is a hallux valgus orthosis that can suitably support the front of the foot and withstand daily and long-term wear. 【Solution means】The hallux valgus orthosis 1 includes a first insertion part 2 into which the big toe of the foot is inserted, a second insertion part 3 into which the index finger of the foot is inserted, and a gap holding part 4 that connects between the first insertion part 2 and the second insertion part 3 and applies an elastic force in a direction in which the first insertion part 2 and the second insertion part 3 are separated from each other. The first insertion part 2, the second insertion part 3, and the gap holding part 4 are integrally formed by a long metal member 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hallux valgus orthosis.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a foot disease called hallux valgus is known, in which the tip of the big toe of the foot bends toward the index finger. There is a hallux valgus orthosis for performing conservative treatment of this hallux valgus. This hallux valgus orthosis is a device that supports the front of the foot so as to secure a gap between the big toe and the index finger of the foot, and various forms are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above-mentioned hallux valgus orthosis is intended for daily and long-term wear for the purpose of alleviating the pain of hallux valgus. However, conventional hallux valgus orthoses are generally made of silicone rubber as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, and are prone to deterioration over time due to friction, dirt, etc. For this reason, conventional hallux valgus orthoses are difficult to withstand daily and long-term wear, and the cost and effort for replacement are high.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a hallux valgus orthosis that can withstand daily and long-term wear while securing a gap between the big toe and the index finger of the foot.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] [1] An outer hallux orthosis according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first insertion part into which the big toe of the foot is inserted, a second insertion part into which the index finger or middle finger of the foot is inserted, and a gap holding part that connects between the first insertion part and the second insertion part and applies an elastic force in a direction in which the first insertion part and the second insertion part are separated from each other. The first insertion part, the second insertion part, and the gap holding part are integrally formed by a long metal member.

[0007] [2] In the aspect of [1] above, the material of the long member is preferably a nickel-titanium alloy.

[0008] [3] In the aspect of [2] above, the shape recovery temperature of the nickel-titanium alloy is preferably 32°C or lower.

[0009] [4] In any of the aspects from [1] to [3] above, when the direction in which the first insertion part and the second insertion part are arranged side by side is defined as the foot width direction, and the insertion direction of the index finger or the middle finger in the second insertion part is defined as the foot length direction, it is preferable that each of the first insertion part and the second insertion part forms a groove that opens to one side in the orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to each of the foot width direction and the foot length direction.

[0010] [5] In the aspect of [4] above, each of the first insertion part and the second insertion part has an inner end part and an outer end part that form a pair of edges in the groove, and it is preferable that the gap holding part connects between the inner end part of the first insertion part and the inner end part of the second insertion part.

[0011] [6] In the aspect of [5] above, it is preferable that the gap holding part is arranged on the one side in the orthogonal direction rather than at least one of the outer end parts of the first insertion part and the second insertion part.

[0012] [7] In the aspect of the above [5] or the above [6], the gap holding portion preferably includes a first convex portion connected to the inner end portion of the first insertion portion and protruding toward the groove portion side of the first insertion portion, a second convex portion connected to the inner end portion of the second insertion portion and protruding toward the groove portion side of the second insertion portion, and a connecting portion connecting between the first convex portion and the second convex portion.

[0013] [8] In the aspect of the above [7], each of the first convex portion and the second convex portion preferably has an arc shape.

[0014] [9] In the aspect of the above [7] or the above [8], the connecting portion preferably has an arc shape curved so as to protrude toward the other side in the orthogonal direction.

[0015]

[10] In any one of the aspects of the above [4] to the above [6], the gap holding portion preferably has an arc shape curved so as to protrude toward the one side in the orthogonal direction.

[0016]

[11] In any one of the aspects of the above [4] to the above [8], a protective member that covers at least the inner surfaces of the groove portions of the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion may be further provided.

[0017]

[12] In any one of the aspects of the above [4] to the above

[11] , the long member preferably has a plate shape having a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness when developed in the foot width direction.

[0018]

[13] In the aspect of the above

[12] , the long member may have a mesh shape in which a plurality of through holes are formed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8

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Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

[0020] Hereinafter, multiple embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] [First Embodiment] The hallux valgus orthosis 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. The hallux valgus orthosis 1 of the present embodiment is used by being mounted on the foot F of the user for conservative treatment of the hallux valgus of the user.

[0022] The hallux valgus orthosis 1 includes a first insertion portion 2 into which the big toe F1 of the foot F is inserted, a second insertion portion 3 into which the index finger F2 of the foot F is inserted, and a gap holding portion 4 that connects between the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 and applies an elastic force in a direction in which the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 are separated from each other (see, for example, FIGS. 1 and 3).

[0023] In the following description, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction that are orthogonal to each other are used. When the hallux valgus orthosis 1 is used, the X direction corresponds to the foot width direction, and the Y direction corresponds to the foot length direction (that is, the insertion direction of the index finger F1 in the second insertion portion 3). The Z direction corresponds to the orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to each of the foot width direction and the foot length direction. Note that each of the +Z direction and the -Z direction described in this embodiment corresponds to either the instep direction or the sole direction according to the wearing direction of the hallux valgus orthosis 1. Further, since the first insertion portion 2, the gap holding portion 4, and the second insertion portion 3 are arranged side by side in the X direction in this order of description, the direction toward the central portion of the gap holding portion 4 in the X direction is referred to as the inner side in the X direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the outer side in the X direction.

[0024] The hallux valgus orthosis 1 of the present embodiment (that is, the first insertion portion 2, the second insertion portion 3, and the gap holding portion 4) is integrally formed by a long member 10. This long member 10 has the shape shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but when developed in the X direction, it has a plate shape having a length in the X direction, a width in the Y direction, and a thickness in the Z direction. In other words, the long member 10 of the present embodiment is manufactured as a member having the shape shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 by performing a forming process or the like on a plate-shaped material.

[0025] The length of the long member 10 in the X direction when developed in the X direction is preferably 80 to 130 mm, for example, 100 mm. The width dimension (Y direction dimension) of the long member 10 is preferably 3 to 10 mm, for example, 4 to 6 mm. The thickness dimension (Z direction dimension) of the long member 10 is preferably 0.1 to 0.6 mm, for example, 0.2 mm.

[0026] (Configuration of Hallux Valgus Orthosis 1) The specific configuration of the hallux valgus orthosis 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0027] The first insertion portion 2 forms a groove portion 20 that opens to one side in the Z direction (+Z side in the present embodiment). Further, the first insertion portion 2 has an inner end portion 21 and an outer end portion 22 that constitute a pair of edges on both sides in the X direction of the groove portion 20. This first insertion portion 2 curves so as to form the groove portion 20 while extending in the X direction from the inner end portion 21 to the outer end portion 22.

[0028] The second insertion portion 3 forms a groove portion 30 that opens to one side in the Z direction (+Z side in the present embodiment). Further, the second insertion portion 3 has an inner end portion 31 and an outer end portion 32 that constitute a pair of edges on both sides in the X direction of the groove portion 30. This second insertion portion 3 curves so as to form the groove portion 30 while extending in the X direction from the inner end portion 31 to the outer end portion 32.

[0029] Here, the first insertion portion 2 has a curved shape adapted to the thumb F1 of the foot F, and the second insertion portion 3 has a curved shape adapted to the index finger F2 of the foot F. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when a tangent line L in the X direction that contacts each curved shape of the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 is assumed, the radius of curvature R1 of the first insertion portion 2 on the tangent line L is larger than the radius of curvature R2 of the second insertion portion 3 on the tangent line L.

[0030] Also, the X-direction dimension W1 from the point P1 (contact point with the tangent line L), which is the portion of the first insertion portion 2 located on the most -Z side, to the outer end portion 22 of the first insertion portion 2 is larger than the X-direction dimension W2 from the point P2 (contact point with the tangent line L), which is the portion of the second insertion portion 3 located on the most -Z side, to the outer end portion 32 of the second insertion portion 3. Further, the Z-direction dimension H1 from the outer end portion 22 of the first insertion portion 2 to the tangent line L is larger than the Z-direction dimension H2 from the outer end portion 32 of the second insertion portion 3 to the tangent line L.

[0031] Note that the curved shapes of the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 are not limited to arcs, and may have distortions adapted to the circumferential shapes of the respective toes.

[0032] The gap holding portion 4 connects between the inner end portion 21 of the first insertion portion 2 and the inner end portion 31 of the second insertion portion 3. This gap holding portion 4 is disposed on the +Z side with respect to the outer end portions 22 and 32 of the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3. Specifically, the gap holding portion 4 includes a first convex portion 41 connected to the inner end portion 21 of the first insertion portion 2, a second convex portion 42 connected to the inner end portion 31 of the second insertion portion 3, and a connecting portion 43 connecting between the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42.

[0033] The first convex portion 41 extends in the +Z direction from the inner end portion 21 of the first insertion portion 2 and describes an arc protruding toward the groove portion 20 side (outer side in the X direction) of the first insertion portion 2. Thereby, the first convex portion 41 faces a part of the inner surface of the groove portion 20. Here, the opposing portion A1, which is the portion of the groove portion 20 facing the first convex portion 41, is preferably located between the outer end portion 22 of the first insertion portion 2 and the above-mentioned point P1. Also, the connection portion between the first convex portion 41 and the inner end portion 21 of the first insertion portion 2 has a gentle curved shape.

[0034] The second convex portion 42 extends in the +Z direction from the inner end portion 31 of the second insertion portion 3 and describes an arc protruding toward the groove portion 30 side (outer side in the X direction) of the second insertion portion 3. Thereby, the second convex portion 42 faces a part of the inner surface of the groove portion 30. Here, the opposing portion A2, which is the portion of the groove portion 30 facing the second convex portion 42, is preferably located between the outer end portion 32 of the second insertion portion 3 and the above-mentioned point P2. Also, the connection portion between the second convex portion 42 and the inner end portion 31 of the second insertion portion 3 has a gentle curved shape.

[0035] The arc shapes of the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42 of the present embodiment have the same radius of curvature R3, but they may be different. Each radius of curvature R3 of the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42 is smaller than the radius of curvature R1 of the first insertion portion 2 and the radius of curvature R2 of the second insertion portion 3. Also, the dimension D1 of the line connecting the first convex portion 41 and the opposing portion A1 of the groove portion 20 is larger than the dimension D2 of the line connecting the second convex portion 42 and the opposing portion A2 of the groove portion 30.

[0036] The connecting portion 43 extends along the X direction while connecting the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42. The connecting portion 43 of the present embodiment has an arc shape that is curved so as to slightly protrude in the -Z direction, but it may be linear. The radius of curvature R4 of the connecting portion 43 is larger than each radius of curvature R3 of the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42.

[0037] Also, the dimension of the connecting portion 43 in the X direction is set so as to secure a gap D3 in the X direction between the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3. The gap D3 is set according to the desired correction force for creating a gap between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2, and is preferably 7 to 20 mm, for example, 12 to 15 mm. The larger the gap D3, the stronger the correction force, and the smaller the gap D3, the weaker the correction force. Also, the distance between the above-mentioned points P1 and P2 is determined according to the gap D3, and is, for example, 10 to 20 mm.

[0038] (Method of using the hallux valgus orthosis 1) An example of the method of using the hallux valgus orthosis 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. Note that the foot F of the user illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6 is the left foot, but the hallux valgus orthosis 1 can be inverted so as to interchange the positive and negative of each direction in the X direction and the Y direction, and the same hallux valgus orthosis 1 can be worn on either the left or right foot.

[0039] When the hallux valgus corrector 1 is worn on the user's foot F, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gap holding portion 4 is disposed on the nail side of each finger of the foot F, and the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 are disposed on the back side of each finger of the foot F. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the gap holding portion 4 may be disposed on the back side of each finger of the foot F, and the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 may be disposed on the nail side of each finger of the foot F.

[0040] In any case, the thumb F1 is inserted into the groove portion 20 of the first insertion portion 2 and is held by being sandwiched between the first convex portion 41 and the opposing portion A1. Similarly, the index finger F2 is inserted into the groove portion 30 of the second insertion portion 3 and is held by being sandwiched between the second convex portion 42 and the opposing portion A2. Further, the gap holding portion 4 is disposed between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2. At this time, the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 fit into the portion R corresponding to the proximal phalanx of each finger of the foot F, and displacement is prevented by the adjacent joint (see FIGS. 4 and 6).

[0041] Note that, as symptoms of the user's hallux valgus, FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a symptom in which the thumb F1 bends so as to overlap the index finger F2, and FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a symptom in which the thumb F1 bends so as to overlap the index finger F2. The combination of such hallux valgus symptoms and the wearing direction of the hallux valgus corrector 1 is not particularly limited, and different combinations may be used.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows the hallux valgus corrector 1 before being worn on the foot F by a two-dot chain line and the hallux valgus corrector 1 after being worn on the foot F by a solid line. As shown in FIG. 7, when the hallux valgus corrector 1 is worn on the user's foot F, it receives a load from each of the thumb F1 and the index finger F2. At this time, the gap holding portion 4 elastically deforms so that the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 approach each other. In particular, in the present embodiment, the first insertion portion 2 rotates about the first convex portion 41, and the second insertion portion 3 rotates about the second convex portion 42, so that the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 approach each other.

[0043] Therefore, the gap holding portion 4 applies an elastic force E that includes not only an X-direction component but also a Z-direction component as an elastic force in a direction in which the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 are separated from each other. The elastic force in the X direction of the gap holding portion 4 can function as a corrective force for securing a gap between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2. Further, the elastic force in the Z direction of the gap holding portion 4 can function as a corrective force for eliminating the Z-direction displacement of the thumb F1 overlapping the index finger F2.

[0044] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 are held by the respective parts of the hallux valgus orthosis 1, it is prevented that the thumb F1 enters under the index finger F2 or rides on the index finger F2.

[0045] (Material of the long member 10) The material of the long member 10 constituting the hallux valgus orthosis 1 of the present embodiment may be a metal such as stainless steel, but is preferably a nickel-titanium alloy. The nickel-titanium alloy is also referred to as Nitinol, and is an alloy containing Ni and Ti at substantially equal atomic contents, and may contain an optional additive element such as Co, Cu, or Nb.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the shape recovery temperature of the nickel-titanium alloy constituting the long member 10 is preferably 32°C or lower. Note that the shape recovery and shape recovery temperature of the nickel-titanium alloy can be determined by adjusting the blending ratio of Ni and Ti and the memory treatment temperature.

[0047] Hereinafter, the characteristics of the nickel-titanium alloy on the high-temperature side of the shape recovery temperature will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a distortion diagram of a superelastic nickel-titanium alloy.

[0048] First, the superelastic nickel-titanium alloy has a crystal structure called the austenite phase. In Fig. 8, the nickel-titanium alloy in the austenite phase elastically deforms linearly from point A to point B such that the strain with respect to stress is proportional. Then, between point C and point D, it transforms from austenite to a stress-induced martensite phase, and the stress remains substantially constant even as the strain increases. The region between point C and point D is called the plateau region.

[0049] Also, the nickel-titanium alloy exhibits a property called "superelasticity" where it can instantaneously recover to its original shape even with relatively large deformations. Note that the elastic strain of general metals is around about 1%, but the elastic limit of the nickel-titanium alloy is as wide as 6% - 10% including the plateau region.

[0050] The hallux valgus orthosis 1 of the present embodiment utilizes the above-described superelasticity of the nickel-titanium alloy, and in particular, can separate the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 from each other by the elasticity in the plateau region.

[0051] (Effect of the present embodiment) As described above, the hallux valgus orthosis 1 of the present embodiment includes a first insertion portion 2 into which the thumb F1 of the foot F is inserted, a second insertion portion 3 into which the index finger F2 of the foot F is inserted, and a gap holding portion 4 that connects between the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 and applies an elastic force in a direction of separating from each other to the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3. The first insertion portion 2, the second insertion portion 3, and the gap holding portion 4 are integrally formed by a long metal member 10. In the above configuration, since the first insertion portion 2, the second insertion portion 3, and the gap holding portion 4 are integrally formed by a long metal member 10 made of a metal such as nickel-titanium alloy or stainless steel, it is easy to ensure the elastic force that functions as a corrective force, and it is difficult for aging deterioration to occur due to friction, dirt, etc. during use. For this reason, the hallux valgus orthosis 1 of the present embodiment can withstand daily and long-term wearing while ensuring a gap between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 of the foot. As a result, the cost and effort for replacement are suppressed.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the material of the long member 10 is preferably a nickel-titanium alloy, and the shape recovery temperature of this nickel-titanium alloy is preferably 32°C or lower. With such a configuration, the characteristics of the nickel-titanium alloy, particularly the superelastic characteristics of the nickel-titanium alloy, can be utilized as the corrective force of the hallux valgus orthosis 1. For example, due to the wide elastic limit of the nickel-titanium alloy, the long member 10 can be elastically deformed within a wide range according to the degree of deformation of the user's thumb F1, and can also cope with a large deformation of the severely deformed thumb F1. Further, according to the presence of the plateau region of the nickel-titanium alloy, even if the strain generated in the long member 10 becomes large, the stress applied to the user's thumb F1 and index finger F2 is kept substantially constant, and excessive force is not applied. Therefore, while coping with the correction of the greatly deformed thumb F1, the pain of the user due to the correction can be reduced.

[0053] In the present embodiment, each of the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 forms groove portions 20 and 30 that open on one side (+Z direction) in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to each of the foot width direction and the foot length direction. With such a configuration, it is easy to form the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 by the long member 10. Further, the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 may be attached to either the dorsal side or the ventral side of each finger of the foot F. That is, the user can select the wearing direction of the hallux valgus orthosis 1 according to the personal wearing feeling.

[0054] In the present embodiment, each of the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 has inner end portions 21 and 31 and outer end portions 22 and 32 that form a pair of edges in the groove portions 20 and 30, and the gap holding portion 4 connects between the inner end portion 21 of the first insertion portion 2 and the inner end portion 31 of the second insertion portion 3. In such a configuration, when the gap holding portion 4 elastically deforms, the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 approach each other while rotating about the gap holding portion 4. For this reason, the gap holding portion 4 applies an elastic force not only in the X-direction component but also in the Z-direction component to the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3. That is, the hallux valgus corrector 1 of the present embodiment can apply a correcting force not only in the X-direction but also in the Z-direction to each finger of the foot F. Thereby, it is possible to suitably correct a deformation in which the thumb F1 overlaps the upper or lower side of the index finger F2. As a result, the contact situation of the user's sole with the ground can be improved, and the pain in the user's knee can also be improved.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the gap holding portion 4 is disposed on one side (+Z side) in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to each of the foot width direction and the foot length direction with respect to the outer end portions 22 and 32 of the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3. In such a configuration, when the user wears the hallux valgus corrector 1, it is possible to suppress the outer end portions 22 and 32 of the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 from protruding excessively from the foot F, and to reduce the discomfort given to the user.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the gap holding portion 4 includes a first convex portion 41 connected to the inner end portion 21 of the first insertion portion 2 and protruding toward the groove portion 20 side of the first insertion portion 2, a second convex portion 42 connected to the inner end portion 31 of the second insertion portion 3 and protruding toward the groove portion 30 side of the second insertion portion 3, and a connecting portion 43 connecting between the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42. In such a configuration, the thumb F1 can be held so as to be sandwiched between the first convex portion 41 and the opposing portion A1 of the first insertion portion 2. Similarly, the index finger F2 can be held so as to be sandwiched between the second convex portion 42 and the opposing portion A2 of the second insertion portion 3. Thereby, the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 can be reliably held, and it is possible to suitably prevent the thumb F1 from getting under the index finger F2 or riding on the index finger F2.

[0057] In the present embodiment, each of the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42 has an arc shape. In such a configuration, the elastic forces of the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42 in the gap holding portion 4 can be suitably used as the correction forces applied to each finger of the foot F.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 43 has a curved shape that curves so as to protrude toward the other side (-Z side) in the orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to each of the foot width direction and the foot length direction. In such a configuration, not only the elastic forces of the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42 in the gap holding portion 4, but also the elastic force of the connecting portion 43 can be suitably used as the correction forces applied to each finger of the foot F.

[0059] In the present embodiment, when the long member 10 is deployed in the foot width direction (X direction), it has a plate shape with a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness. In such a configuration, the valgus hallux orthosis 1 can be suitably manufactured from the material of the plate-shaped long member 10.

[0060] [Second Embodiment] The valgus hallux orthosis 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. Note that the valgus hallux orthosis 1A of the present embodiment is suitable for use in the conservative treatment of a more severe valgus hallux (a symptom with a large deformation of the big toe) than the first embodiment.

[0061] Specifically, the valgus hallux orthosis 1A of the second embodiment includes a first insertion portion 2A into which the big toe F1 of the foot F is inserted, a second insertion portion 3A into which the middle finger F3 of the foot F is inserted, and a gap holding portion 4A that connects between the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A and applies an elastic force in a direction in which the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A are separated from each other.

[0062] Hereinafter, the valgus hallux orthosis 1A of the second embodiment will be described centering on the differences from the valgus hallux orthosis 1 of the first embodiment. For the same configurations as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment will be used, and the description will be omitted or simplified.

[0063] The hallux valgus corrector 1A of the second embodiment (i.e., the first insertion portion 2A, the second insertion portion 3A, and the gap holding portion 4A) is integrally formed by a long member 10A, similar to the hallux valgus corrector 1 of the first embodiment.

[0064] The dimensions of the long member 10A are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. Specifically, when developed in the X direction, the length of the long member 10 in the X direction is preferably 80 to 130 mm, for example, 105 mm. The width dimension (Y-direction dimension) of the long member 10A is preferably 3 to 10 mm, for example, 8 mm. The thickness dimension (Z-direction dimension) of the long member 10 is preferably 0.1 to 0.6 mm, for example, 0.3 mm.

[0065] Also, the material of the long member 10A may be a metal such as stainless steel, similar to the first embodiment, but is preferably a nickel-titanium alloy.

[0066] The first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A have substantially the same shape as the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 of the first embodiment. That is, the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A form groove portions 20, 30 that open on one side in the Z direction (+Z side), and have inner end portions 21, 31 and outer end portions 22, 32 that constitute a pair of edges on both sides in the X direction of the groove portions 20, 30.

[0067] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the first insertion portion 2A has an extension portion 23 that extends outward in the X direction and in the -Z direction from the inner end portion 21 of the first insertion portion 2A and is inclined with respect to each of the X direction and the Z direction. Similarly, the second insertion portion 3A has an extension portion 33 that extends outward in the X direction and in the -Z direction from the inner end portion 31 of the second insertion portion 3A and is inclined with respect to each of the X direction and the Z direction.

[0068] Here, similar to the first embodiment, assume a tangent line L in the X direction that contacts the curved shapes of the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A. At this time, it is preferable that the inclination θ1 of the extending portion 23 with respect to the tangent line L is smaller than the inclination θ2 of the extending portion 33 with respect to the tangent line L. Note that the inclinations θ1 and θ2 are not limited to the angles illustrated in FIG. 10 and can be arbitrarily set within the range of 0° to 90°.

[0069] Also, similar to the first embodiment, assume a point P1 (the contact point with the tangent line L), which is the most -Z side position part of the first insertion portion 2A, and a point P2 (the contact point with the tangent line L), which is the most -Z side position part of the second insertion portion 3A. At this time, the X-direction dimension W1 from the point P1 of the first insertion portion 2A to the outer end portion 22 of the first insertion portion 2A is larger than the X-direction dimension W2 from the point P2 of the second insertion portion 3A to the outer end portion 32 of the second insertion portion 3A.

[0070] Also, the Z-direction dimension H1 from the outer end portion 22 of the first insertion portion 2A to the tangent line L is larger than the Z-direction dimension H2 from the outer end portion 32 of the second insertion portion 3A to the tangent line L.

[0071] The gap holding portion 4A has a shape different from that of the gap holding portion 4 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the gap holding portion 4A has an arc shape that is smoothly continuous with the inner end portions 21 and 31 of the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A and curves so as to protrude in the +Z direction. In other words, the gap holding portion 4A forms a groove portion 40 that opens in the -Z direction together with the extending portions 23 and 33 of the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A.

[0072] Here, assume a point P3 which is the part of the gap holding portion 4A located on the +Z side most. The radius of curvature R5 of the gap holding portion 4A on the point P3 is preferably smaller than the radius of curvature R1 of the first insertion portion 2A on the tangent line L and larger than the radius of curvature R2 of the second insertion portion 3A on the tangent line L. Also, the X-direction dimension W3 from the point P1 of the first insertion portion 2A to the point P3 of the gap holding portion 4A is preferably larger than the X-direction dimension W4 from the point P2 of the second insertion portion 3A to the point P3 of the gap holding portion 4A. The sum of the X-direction dimensions W3 and W4, that is, the distance between the points P1 and P2, is, for example, 40 to 55 mm.

[0073] Note that the radius of curvature R5 and the X-direction dimensions W3 and W4 of the gap holding portion 4A are not limited to the dimensions illustrated in FIG. 10 and can be arbitrarily set together with the above-described inclination angles θ1 and θ2.

[0074] (Method of using the hallux valgus orthosis 1A) Similar to the first embodiment, the hallux valgus orthosis 1A of this embodiment can be worn on either the left or right foot by inverting the hallux valgus orthosis 1 so as to interchange the positive and negative in each of the X and Y directions. Also, when the hallux valgus orthosis 1A is worn on the user's foot F, the gap holding portion 4A may be disposed on the dorsal side of the foot F or on the plantar side of the foot F.

[0075] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the hallux valgus orthosis 1 worn on the foot F. In this FIG. 11, the hallux valgus orthosis 1A before being worn on the foot F is shown by a two-dot chain line, and the hallux valgus orthosis 1A after being worn on the foot F is shown by a solid line.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 11, when the hallux valgus corrector 1A is worn on the user's foot F, the thumb F1 is inserted into the groove 20 of the first insertion part 2A, the index finger F2 is inserted into the groove 40 of the gap holding part 4A, and the middle finger is inserted into the groove 30 of the second insertion part 3A. At this time, the hallux valgus corrector 1A receives loads from the thumb F1 and the middle finger F3 that are deformed toward the index finger F2, and the gap holding part 4A elastically deforms so that the first insertion part 2A and the second insertion part 3A approach each other. In particular, in the present embodiment, the first insertion part 2A and the second insertion part 3A approach each other by rotating around the point P3 of the gap holding part 4A.

[0077] Therefore, the gap holding part 4A applies an elastic force E including not only the X-direction component but also the Z-direction component as an elastic force in the direction in which the first insertion part 2A and the second insertion part 3A separate from each other. The X-direction component of the elastic force of the gap holding part 4A can function as a correction force for securing a gap between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 and between the index finger F2 and the middle finger F3. Further, the Z-direction component of the elastic force of the gap holding part 4A can function as a correction force for canceling the Z-direction displacement of the thumb F1 overlapping the index finger F2.

[0078] Note that the hallux valgus corrector 1A of the present embodiment may be used in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Specifically, the thumb F1 may be inserted into the groove 20 of the first insertion part 2A, the index finger F2 may be inserted into the groove 30 of the second insertion part 3A, and the bent gap holding part 4A may be disposed between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2. Even in such a usage form, the elastic force of the gap holding part 4A acts as a correction force on the thumb F1, and a gap can be secured between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2.

[0079] (Effect of the Second Embodiment) According to the hallux valgus corrector 1A of the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment can be achieved. Further, in the hallux valgus corrector 1A of the present embodiment, not only the index finger F2 but also the middle finger F3 is used to support the thumb F1, so that even a greatly deformed thumb F1 can be reliably supported. For this reason, it is possible to more preferably prevent the thumb F1 from getting under or over the index finger F2.

[0080] [Modification Example] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes the following modifications within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention.

[0081] (1) The hallux valgus correctors 1 and 1A of the above-described embodiments may further include one or more protection members 5 provided on the long members 10 and 10A. For example, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modification example of the first embodiment, and the hallux valgus corrector 1B includes two protection members 5. These protection members 5 are provided so as to cover the inner surfaces of the groove portions 20 and 30 of the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3.

[0082] Further, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modification example of the second embodiment, and the hallux valgus corrector 1C includes three protection members 5. These protection members 5 are provided so as to cover the inner surfaces of the groove portions 20, 30, and 40 of the first insertion portion 2A, the second insertion portion 3A, and the gap holding portion 4A.

[0083] In such a modification example, among the long members 10 and 10A, the portions that may come into contact with each finger of the user's foot F are covered by the protection member 5. The protection member 5 may be formed of any flexible material such as a non-woven fabric. Further, the protection member 5 may be fixed to the long members 10 and 10A by any means such as an adhesive or sewing. Thereby, since the user's foot F does not directly contact the metal long members 10 and 10A, the foot F can be protected from friction, allergies, etc.

[0084] In FIGS. 12 and 13, portions of the long members 10 and 10A that do not contact each finger of the foot F are exposed from the protective member 5, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the entire long members 10 and 10A may be covered by the protective member 5.

[0085] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the long members 10 and 10A may have a mesh shape. For example, FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a modified example of the second embodiment, and the long member 10D of the hallux valgus orthosis 1D has a mesh shape in which a plurality of through holes 11 are formed. According to such a configuration, the breathability of the hallux valgus orthosis 1D is ensured, and even when the Y-direction dimension of the hallux valgus orthosis 1D is increased, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of stuffiness on the user's foot F.

[0086] (3) In each of the above embodiments, when the long members 10 and 10A are expanded in the X direction, they have a plate shape with a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the plate shape of the long members 10 and 10A may have different widths or thicknesses depending on the part. Alternatively, when the long members 10 and 10A are expanded in the X direction, they may have a linear shape other than the plate shape.

[0087] (4) In each of the above embodiments, the gap holding portions 4 and 4A are arranged on the +Z side with respect to the outer end portions 22 and 32 of the first insertion portions 2 and 2A and the second insertion portions 3 and 3A, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the outer end portions 22 and 32 of the first insertion portion 2 or 2A or the second insertion portion 3 or 3A may extend to the +Z side with respect to the gap holding portions 4 and 4A.

[0088] (5) In each of the above embodiments, the first insertion portions 2 and 2A, the second insertion portions 3 and 3A, and the gap holding portions 4 and 4A may have other shapes as long as they are integrally formed by the metal long members 10 and 10A. For example, each of the first insertion portions 2, 2A and the second insertion portions 3, 3A may form a shape that surrounds each finger of the foot F, rather than a simple groove shape. Further, the gap holding portions 4, 4A may be folded back at positions other than those described in the above embodiments to realize a desired elastic force. This elastic force may be at least an elastic force in a direction in which the first insertion portions 2, 2A and the second insertion portions 3, 3A move away from each other, and may not include a Z-direction component.

Explanation of Signs

[0089] 1, 1A to 1D... hallux valgus orthosis, 10, 10A, 10D... long members, 11... through hole, 2, 2A... first insertion portion, 20... groove portion, 21... inner end portion, 22... outer end portion, 23... extension portion, 3, 3A... second insertion portion, 30... groove portion, 31... inner end portion, 32... outer end portion, 33... extension portion, 4, 4A... gap holding portion, 40... groove portion, 41... first convex portion, 42... second convex portion, 43... connecting portion, 5... protection member, F... foot, F1... thumb, F2... index finger, F3... middle finger.

Claims

1. a first insertion part (2, 2A) into which the big toe of the foot is inserted; a second insertion part (3, 3A) which is configured to be separated from the first insertion part (2, 2A) and into which the index finger or the middle finger of the foot is inserted; a gap holding part (4, 4A) that connects between the first insertion part (2, 2A) and the second insertion part (3, 3A) and applies an elastic force in a direction separating from each other to the first insertion part (2, 2A) and the second insertion part (3, 3A); and an acquired hallux valgus orthosis, wherein the first insertion part (2, 2A), the second insertion part (3, 3A), and the gap holding part (4, 4A) are integrally formed by a long metal member (10, 10A, 10D).

2. The acquired hallux valgus orthosis according to claim 1, wherein the material of the long member (10, 10A, 10D) is a nickel-titanium alloy.

3. The acquired hallux valgus orthosis according to claim 2, wherein the shape recovery temperature of the nickel-titanium alloy is 32°C or less.

4. When the direction in which the first insertion part (2, 2A) and the second insertion part (3, 3A) are arranged side by side is defined as the foot width direction, and the insertion direction of the index finger or the middle finger in the second insertion part (3, 3A) is defined as the foot length direction, each of the first insertion part (2, 2A) and the second insertion part (3, 3A) forms a groove part (20, 30) that opens to one side in a direction orthogonal to each of the foot width direction and the foot length direction. The acquired hallux valgus orthosis according to claim 1.

5. Each of the first insertion part (2, 2A) and the second insertion part (3, 3A) has an inner end part (21, 31) and an outer end part (22, 32) that form a pair of edges in the groove part (20, 30), The acquired hallux valgus orthosis according to claim 4, wherein the gap holding part (4, 4A) connects between the inner end part (21) of the first insertion part (2, 2A) and the inner end part (31) of the second insertion part (3, 3A).

6. The acquired hallux valgus orthosis according to claim 5, wherein the gap holding part (4, 4A) is arranged on the one side in the orthogonal direction rather than at least one of the outer end parts (22, 32) of the first insertion part (2, 2A) and the second insertion part (3, 3A).

7. The gap holding part (4) is a first convex part (41) that is connected to the inner end part (21) of the first insertion part (2) and protrudes toward the groove part (20) side of the first insertion part (2); A second convex portion (42) connected to the inner end portion (31) of the second insertion portion (3) and protruding toward the groove portion (30) side of the second insertion portion (3); The hallux valgus orthosis according to claim 5, further comprising a connecting portion (43) connecting between the first convex portion (41) and the second convex portion (42).

8. The hallux valgus orthosis according to claim 7, wherein each of the first convex portion (41) and the second convex portion (42) has an arc shape.

9. The hallux valgus orthosis according to claim 7, wherein the connecting portion (43) has an arc shape curved so as to protrude toward the other side in the orthogonal direction.

10. The hallux valgus orthosis according to claim 4, wherein the gap holding portion (4A) has an arc shape curved so as to protrude toward the one side in the orthogonal direction.

11. The hallux valgus orthosis according to claim 4, further comprising one or more protective members (5) covering the inner surfaces of the groove portions (20, 30) of at least the first insertion portions (2, 2A) and the second insertion portions (3, 3A).

12. The hallux valgus orthosis according to claim 4, wherein the long member (10, 10A, 10D) has a plate shape having a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness when expanded in the foot width direction.

13. The hallux valgus orthosis according to claim 12, wherein the long member (10D) has a mesh shape in which a plurality of through holes (11) are formed.

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