Orthopedic shoe sole or insole, and shoe for people with hallux valgus

Abstract

A sole or insole (1) for an orthopedic shoe for persons with hallux valgus. The sole or insole (1) includes a main part (14) located at least under and supporting the Digitis Pedis II to V and the ball of the foot, and an element movably connected to the main part (14) that is located under and supports the Digitis Pedis I. The main part (14) of the sole or insole (1) includes a cavity (7) under the Digitis Pedis II to V and / or the transverse arch of the foot that contains a hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, electric or other device that causes rotary movement of the moveable element (3) in the horizontal plane laterally away from the main part (14) during a walking movement, in particular caused by the compressive force caused by the wearer's own weight on the sole or insole (1).

Description

[0001] Orthopaedic shoe sole or insole and shoe for people with a

[0002] Hallux Valgus

[0003] The invention relates to an orthopedic shoe sole or insole for persons with hallux valgus, wherein the orthopedic shoe sole or insole supports at least the first to fifth digits of the foot and the ball of the foot when walking or in a static state, in particular the entire foot from the first to fifth digits of the foot to the heel. The invention further relates to a shoe with an orthopedic shoe sole or insole.

[0004] Hallux valgus (bunion of the big toe) is a misalignment of the first toe (digitis pedis), in which the first toe extends valgus-wise, i.e. from the middle of the body towards the second to fifth toe. The direction of pull of the tendons in the foot changes, increasing the displacement of the first metatarsal bone. At the same time, the head of the first metatarsal bone deviates inwards, resulting in the typical bunion. In addition to cosmetic problems, hallux valgus can lead to painful pressure points, skin irritation, swelling or inflammation, for example due to friction of the protruding bunion on shoes. Possible secondary damage includes arthrosis or overloading of the adjacent joints of the second to fifth toe or the metatarsal bones. This misalignment of the first toe is often caused by a hereditary predisposition and is usually exacerbated by wearing tight shoes or high-heeled shoes.

[0005] Up to a certain stage, hallux valgus can be treated conservatively, i.e. non-surgically, for example through foot exercises or the wearing of foot splints. Foot exercises for the treatment of hallux valgus include exercises that promote free mobility of the digitis pedis I in all directions. Foot exercises are preferably performed by a physiotherapist and consist of the physiotherapist abducting the patient's digitis pedis I and returning it to its original position. This abducting movement of the digitis pedis I occurs simultaneously in the vertical plane of its natural bending (a movement similar to that which occurs when walking) and in the horizontal plane sideways away from the digitis pedis II to V. This primarily alleviates the symptoms of hallux valgus, but foot exercises do not usually correct the misalignment.At the same time, flat shoes should be worn in everyday life, offering sufficient space, especially in the area of ​​the first to fifth digits and, if necessary, in the area of ​​the big toe joint. Insoles can also be worn to support the arch of the foot to prevent the progression of splayfoot. Other known treatments for hallux valgus include toe spreaders, toe pads, support insoles, ball rolls, and Fiallux splints (orthotics).

[0006] Based on this prior art, the object of the invention is to provide an orthopedic shoe sole or insole for the treatment of hallux valgus, which enables a patient to perform foot gymnastics for the treatment of hallux valgus at any time and as often as desired.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention by an orthopedic shoe sole or insole for persons with hallux valgus, wherein the orthopedic shoe sole or insole supports at least the digitis pedis I to V and the ball of the foot when walking or in a static state, in particular the entire foot from the digitis pedis I to V to the heel, which is characterized in that the orthopedic shoe sole or insole comprises a main part and an element movably connected thereto, wherein the movable element is located under the digitis pedis I and supports it and the main part is located at least under the digitis pedis II to V and the ball of the foot and supports them, wherein the movable element is movably connected to the main part in such a way as to rotate about an axis in a horizontal plane within the limits of the joint of the digitis pedis I and the ball of the foot.

[0008] The orthopedic shoe sole or insole according to the invention comprises a main part, which serves to support the digitis pedis II to V and at least the transverse arch of the foot, preferably additionally the longitudinal arch and the heel. The movable element serves to support the digitis pedis I and is movably attached to the main part or firmly connected to it in the area of ​​the big toe joint (optionally as a separate element). This allows the movable element to move in a horizontal plane relative to the main part, in particular to rotate about an axis within the limits of the joint of the digitis pedis I and the ball of the foot. The movement of the movable part relative to the main part is limited by suitable means.The relative movement, in particular the rotational movement in the horizontal direction, between the movable element and the main part of the orthopedic shoe sole or insole preferably occurs during a walking movement of the patient, in particular caused by the pressure force exerted by the patient's own weight on the orthopedic shoe sole or insole. As a result, the orthopedic shoe sole or insole according to the invention periodically generates the movement known from foot gymnastics to mobilize the digitis pedis I and the big toe joint when the patient walks, so that the patient can independently perform the healing foot gymnastics through daily walking. The movable element therefore preferably moves in the horizontal plane relative to the main part depending on the load on the supported foot, in particular in the form of a pendulum movement whose axis of rotation lies in the area of ​​the big toe joint.

[0009] The orthopedic shoe sole or insole according to the invention enables a patient with hallux valgus to independently perform healing foot exercises at any time, especially daily, thus minimizing the costs of treating hallux valgus. The simultaneous vertical and horizontal movement of the digitis pedis I during walking mobilizes the digitis pedis I and the big toe joint.

[0010] According to the invention, a cavity is located in the main part of the shoe sole or insole beneath the digitis pedis II to V and / or the transverse arch of the foot, into which cavity a hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, or other device is installed. This device is connected to the movable element and, during a walking movement, causes the rotational movement in the horizontal plane laterally away from the main part, in particular caused by the pressure force exerted by the patient's own weight on the orthopedic shoe sole or insole. The cavity in the main part can also be formed between the insole and the shoe sole. The orthopedic shoe sole or insole according to the invention therefore generally comprises mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, or other means for carrying out the relative movement between the movable element and the main part, in particular during the patient's walking movement.For example, this is done by loading the transverse arch and / or the digitis pedis I to V with the patient's own weight, which activates the hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, electrical or other device.

[0011] In a practical variant of the invention, the device for effecting the rotary movement is a hydraulic device designed in the form of an elastic sleeve filled with a gel or other liquid and having a plunger at the end. The end piece of the plunger is connected to the movable element and is periodically actuated by the pressure exerted on the sleeve by the foot at the beginning of each step. During the walking movement, the patient exerts a force through their own weight on the sleeve filled with the gel or other liquid, which moves the end piece of the plunger and thus the connected movable element relative to the main part. When the pressure on the sleeve decreases, the end piece of the plunger and the connected movable element can return to their original position.

[0012] According to an alternative variant of the invention, the device for effecting the rotary movement comprises a pneumatic device in the form of an elastic sleeve filled with air or another gas and having a plunger at the end. The end of the plunger is connected to the movable element and is periodically actuated by the pressure exerted by the foot on the sleeve at the beginning of each step. The pneumatic variant differs from the hydraulic variant primarily in the medium used to move the end of the plunger.

[0013] According to a further variant of the invention, the device for effecting the rotational movement is a mechanical device in the form of a leaf spring having a first end connected to the cavity of the main part and a second end connected to the movable element. The leaf spring is periodically actuated by the pressure exerted by the foot on the leaf spring at the beginning of each step. This variant is particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture and less prone to failure, since it does not require a liquid or gaseous medium, which could potentially escape if the orthopedic shoe sole or insole according to the invention becomes damaged.

[0014] In a further variant of the invention, the movable element is connected to the

[0015] The main part of the shoe sole or insole is connected via a plate which allows the movable element to be locked laterally at various angles of spread relative to the main part of the sole. In general, the orthopedic shoe sole or insole according to the invention comprises means, in particular mechanical means, for fixing the movable element relative to the main part in various positions, regardless of the load on the supported foot. The Digitis Pedis I is thus fixed by the fixed movable element at a specific distance from the Digitis Pedis II supported on the main part, whereby the walking movement (bending of the foot) generates a vertical movement, which also generates a therapeutic gymnastics movement which, thanks to the various adjustable positions, can be regularly adjusted, for example by a physiotherapist.This is particularly advantageous when simultaneous horizontal and vertical movement is too painful for the patient.

[0016] According to a further advantageous variant of the invention, the movable element comprises a fixation for the Digitis Pedis I, so that it is guided at all times during the generated horizontal rotational movement. The fixation is, for example, one or more raised portions on the movable element or is designed as a loop or the like.

[0017] The object is further achieved by a shoe comprising an orthopedic shoe sole or insole according to the invention. The shoe is expediently designed as an open-toed shoe, as this simplifies the relative movement between the main part and the movable element.

[0018] In a suitable variant, the sole of a shoe according to the invention additionally comprises a base plate on which the movable element can be moved. The base plate is preferably connected to the main part and formed integrally therewith. The base plate prevents direct contact between the ground and the movable element, so that the movement of the movable element is not hindered by friction with the ground.

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures. They show:

[0020] Fig. 1 shows various views of a shoe with a first embodiment of an orthopedic shoe sole according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows various views of a shoe with a second embodiment of an orthopedic shoe sole according to the invention, and

[0021] Fig. 3 different views of a shoe with a third embodiment of a shoe sole according to the invention.

[0022] Fig. 1a shows a plan view of a right shoe with an orthopedic shoe sole 1 according to the present invention, for persons with hallux valgus. The orthopedic shoe sole 1 according to the first embodiment from Fig. 1 supports the entire foot from the Digitis Pedis I to V to the heel when walking or in a static state. The shoe from Fig. 1 consists of the orthopedic insole 1 according to the invention and an upper part 2, which is preferably made of an elastic material. Furthermore, the shoe is expediently designed to be open at the front in order to allow relative movement between the Digitis Pedis I and the Digitis Pedis II to V as described below. Alternatively, the shoe could have a corresponding free space for the relative movement.

[0023] The foot of the wearer of the shoe is represented by a dashed line in Fig. 1.

[0024] The orthopedic shoe sole 1 of the shoe shown in Fig. 1 comprises a main part 14 and an element 3 movably connected thereto. The movable element 3 is located under the digitis pedis I and supports it, while the main part 14 is located under at least the digitis pedis II to V and the ball of the foot and supports them. According to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the main part 14 supports the foot in the area of ​​the digitis pedis II to V up to the heel.

[0025] The movable element 3 is movably connected to the main part 14 via the connection 5. The relative movement between the movable element 3 and the main part 14 is ensured, for example, by the elasticity of the material used and can be supported by the indentations in the form of curves 6. The curves 6 prevent, in particular, cracking due to expansion processes caused by the relative movement between the movable element 3 and the main part 14. The connection 5 between the movable element 5 and the main part 14 can be formed in one piece, so that both are manufactured from the same material, or a subsequently manufactured connection 5, so that both are manufactured separately and subsequently connected.The connection 5 between the movable element 3 and the main part 14 is designed such that the movable element 3 can rotate about an axis 5 in a horizontal plane within the boundaries of the joint of the digitis pedis I and the ball of the foot. The axis of rotation 5 is preferably located in the region of the joint of the digitis pedis I (big toe joint).

[0026] 1b and 1c show sectional views along the lines AA and BB of Fig. 1a, respectively. As can be seen in particular from Figs. 1b and 1c, a cavity 7 is located in the front region of the main part 14 of the shoe sole 1, in particular under the digitis pedis II to V. According to the first exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1, a hydraulic device is installed in this cavity, which is connected to the movable element 3 and, during a walking movement, causes the rotational movement in the horizontal plane laterally away from the main part 14, caused in particular by the pressure force caused by the patient's own weight on the orthopedic shoe sole 1.

[0027] The hydraulic device comprises, for example, an elastic sleeve 8 in the cavity 7. This sleeve 8 is filled with a gel or other liquid 9. On the side adjacent to the end face of the movable element 3, the sleeve 8 comprises a plunger 10. This plunger 10 is designed, for example, as a corrugated tube, with the tube profile in particular having the shape of a thread. The plunger 10, in particular the corrugated tube, is made of a material that has greater strength than the elastic sleeve 8. The closed end piece 11 of the plunger 10 is connected to the movable element 3.The hydraulic device thus constructed is periodically actuated by the pressure exerted by the foot at the beginning of each step, in particular a pressure is exerted on the elastic sleeve 8, whereby the end piece 11 of the plunger 10 moves the movable element 3 relative to the main part 14 and causes the rotational movement in the horizontal plane laterally away from the main part 14.

[0028] A compression spring can be inserted into the plunger 10, in particular the corrugated tube, in order to adapt the mechanical properties of the hydraulic device, in particular to generate a preload. This allows the pressure required to generate the relative movement between the movable element 3 and the main part 14 to be adapted to the individual needs of a patient. A raised portion 12 is expediently arranged on the movable element 3 on the side facing the Digitis Pedis II, which ensures that the Digitis Pedis I can be moved with the movable element 3. Accordingly, the main part 14 can have a raised portion 13 on the side facing the Digitis Pedis I, which raises the Digitis Pedis

[0029] 11 and thereby also the Digitis Pedis III to V are fixed to the main part 14. The increase

[0030] The protrusion 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, a bracket, a loop, or the like can also be used to fix the Digitis Pedis I to the movable element 3 or at least the Digitis Pedis II to the main part 14.

[0031] When walking, the heel of the foot lifts and the toe comes into a horizontal position and the person's entire weight presses on the elastic sleeve 8. The plunger 10 expands and spreads the movable element 3 to the side. The elevation 12 on the movable element 3 ensures that the Digitis Pedis i moves together with the movable element 3. During each step, the Digitis Pedis l therefore performs a simultaneous movement in two planes, namely in the vertical plane together with the other Digitis Pedis li to V and a sideways spreading / pendulum movement in the horizontal plane together with the movable element 3 away from the Digitis Pedis II to V. When the pressure is no longer exerted, the movable element 3 and the Digitis Pedis I return to their original position.

[0032] If the person remains standing on tiptoes, the pressure is continuously exerted on the hydraulic device and the movable element 3 spreads the Digitis Pedis I from the Digitis Pedis II to V during this time, which also corresponds to a therapeutic exercise for hallux valgus patients.

[0033] The specific method of use, the frequency and the amplitude of the relative movement of the movable element 3 are specified by the doctor, in particular the orthopedist.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows various views of a shoe with a second embodiment of an orthopedic shoe sole 1 according to the invention. The second embodiment from Fig. 2 differs from the first embodiment from Fig. 1 in that no hydraulic device is installed in the cavity 7, which is connected to the movable element 3 and causes the rotational movement in the horizontal plane laterally away from the main part 14 during a walking movement, but rather a mechanical device which is connected to the movable element 3 and causes the rotational movement in the horizontal plane laterally away from the main part 14 during a walking movement.

[0035] The mechanical device according to the second embodiment of Fig. 2 comprises a leaf spring 15 having end portions 16. The right end portion 16 of the leaf spring 15 is connected to the main part 14 of the shoe sole 1 via the connecting element 17. At the junction between the main part 14 and the movable element 3, the leaf spring 15 is inserted into a groove 18 of the movable element 3 and connected to the movable element 3 by the axis 9. The leaf spring 15 has an elongated hole 20 for the axis 19 in the end portion 16, which is connected to the movable element 3, so that the offset of the axis 9, which arises during the pivoting / oscillating movement of the movable element 3, can be compensated. Details can be found in particular in Figs. 2d and 2e, which show sectional views along the lines CC and D-D of Fig. 2a, respectively.

[0036] The leaf spring 15 has an upwardly curved portion 21, as can be seen particularly in the sectional view of Fig. 2b, wherein Fig. 2b shows a sectional view along line AA of Fig. 2a. The upwardly curved portion 21 of the leaf spring 15 presses from below against the upper plane of the cavity 7, as shown in Fig. 2b.

[0037] On the movable element 3 there is a raised portion 12 and on the main part 14 there is a raised portion 13, corresponding to the first embodiment from Fig. 1, which fix the Digitis Pedis I or the Digitis Pedis II to V during the relative movement between the movable element 3 and the main part 14.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows various views of a shoe with a third embodiment of a shoe sole 1 according to the invention. Fig. 3a shows a plan view of a right shoe with the orthopedic shoe sole 1 according to the present

[0039] Invention, for people with hallux valgus. The orthopedic shoe sole 1 according to the third embodiment of Fig. 3 supports when walking or in static

[0040] Condition the entire foot from Digitis Pedis I to V to the heel. The shoe made of

[0041] Fig. 3 consists of the orthopedic insole 1 according to the invention and a

[0042] Upper part 2, which is preferably made of an elastic material. Furthermore, the shoe is advantageously designed to be open at the front to flexibly adjust the distance between the Digitis Pedis I and the Digitis Pedis II to V as described below. Alternatively, the shoe could have a corresponding clearance for adjustment.

[0043] The foot of the wearer of the shoe is represented by a dashed line in Fig. 3.

[0044] The orthopedic shoe sole 1 of the shoe shown in Fig. 3 comprises a main part 14 and an element 3 movably connected thereto. The movable element 3 is located under the digitis pedis I and supports it, while the main part 14 is located under at least the digitis pedis II to V and the ball of the foot and supports them. According to the third embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the main part 14 supports the foot in the area of ​​the digitis pedis II to V up to the heel.

[0045] The movable element 3 is movably connected to the main part 14 via the connection 5. The relative movement between the movable element 3 and the main part 14 is ensured, for example, by the elasticity of the material used and can be supported by the indentations in the form of curves 6. The curves 6 prevent, in particular, cracking due to expansion processes caused by the relative movement between the movable element 3 and the main part 14. The connection 5 between the movable element 5 and the main part 14 can be formed in one piece, so that both are made from the same material, or a subsequently manufactured connection 5, so that both are manufactured separately and subsequently connected.

[0046] The connection 5 between the movable element 3 and the main part 14 is designed such that the movable element 3 can rotate about an axis 5 in a horizontal plane within the boundaries of the joint of the digitis pedis I and the ball of the foot. The axis of rotation 5 is preferably located in the area of ​​the joint of the digitis pedis I (big toe joint).

[0047] 3 the movable element 3 is connected to the main part 14 of the shoe sole 1 via a plate 22, which enables the movable element 3 to be locked laterally with respect to the main part 14 of the sole 1 at different angles of spread, as shown in detail in Fig. 3b, for example. The plate 22 is connected to the main part 14 at one end via a first pin 23. The first pin 23 is locked, for example by screwing, from below through an opening in the main part 14 of the sole 1 into a first recess 25 of the plate 22. At the other end, in the area of ​​the movable element 3, the plate 22 has a second recess 26 for a second pin 27.The movable part 3 of the sole 1 has several openings 24 for the second pin 27, so that the second pin 27 can be passed through one of the openings 24 and locked in the second recess 26. The distance between the main part 14 and the movable element 3 is adjusted by the selection of the opening 24 through which the second pin 27 is locked in the second recess 26.

[0048] The Digitis Pedis I is thus fixed by the fixed movable element 3 at a specific distance from the Digitis Pedis II, which is supported on the main part 14. Walking (bending the foot) generates a vertical movement, which also creates a therapeutic exercise movement that can be regularly adjusted by a physiotherapist, for example, thanks to the various adjustable positions. This is particularly advantageous when simultaneous horizontal and vertical movement is too painful for the patient.

[0049] List of reference symbols

[0050] 1 shoe sole

[0051] 2 top

[0052] 3 movable element axis of rotation (limits of the joint Digitis Pedis l)

[0053] 5 Fastening / connection of movable element

[0054] 6 curves

[0055] 7 Cavity

[0056] 8 elastic cover

[0057] 9 Liquid

[0058] 10 pestles

[0059] 11 End piece (tappet)

[0060] 12 Elevation (movable element)

[0061] 13 Elevation (main part)

[0062] 14 Main part

[0063] 15 leaf spring

[0064] 16 end sections leaf spring

[0065] 17 Connecting element

[0066] 18 Groove (movable element)

[0067] 19 Axis 0 Long hole (leaf spring) 1 Curved area Leaf spring 2 Plate 3 First pin 4 Openings First bulge Second bulge Second pin

Claims

Patent claims 1. Orthopedic shoe sole (1) or insole for persons with hallux valgus, wherein the orthopedic shoe sole (1) or insole supports at least the first to fifth digits of the foot and the ball of the foot when walking or in a static state, in particular the entire foot from the first to fifth digits of the foot to the heel, wherein the orthopedic shoe sole (1) or insole comprises a main part (14) and an element (3) movably connected thereto, wherein the movable element (3) is located under the first digit of the foot and supports it, and the main part (14) is located at least under the second to fifth digits of the foot and the ball of the foot and supports them, wherein the movable element (3) is movably connected to the main part (14) in such a way as to rotate in a horizontal plane within the limits of the joint of the first digit of the foot and the ball of the foot about an axis (4), characterized in thatthat in the main part (14) of the shoe sole (1) or insole, a cavity (7) is located under the digits of the foot II to V and / or the transverse arch of the foot, in which a hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, electrical or other device is installed, which is connected to the movable element (3) and, during a walking movement, causes the rotational movement in the horizontal plane laterally away from the main part (14), in particular caused by the pressure force caused by the patient's own weight on the orthopaedic shoe sole (1) or insole.

2. Orthopedic shoe sole (1) or insole according to claim 1, wherein the device for effecting the rotational movement is a hydraulic device which is designed in the form of an elastic shell (8) filled with a fluid or other liquid (9) with a plunger (10) at the end, wherein the end piece (11) of the plunger (10) is connected with the movable element (3) is connected and is periodically actuated by the pressure exerted on the shell (8) by the foot at the beginning of each step.

3. Orthopedic shoe sole (1) or insole according to claim 1, wherein the device for effecting the rotational movement is a pneumatic device which is designed in the form of an elastic shell (8) filled with air or another gas with a plunger (10) at the end, wherein the end piece (11) of the plunger (10) is connected to the movable element (3) and is periodically actuated by the pressure exerted on the shell (8) by the foot at the beginning of each step.

4. Orthopedic shoe sole (1) or insole according to claim 1, wherein the device for effecting the rotational movement is a mechanical device which is designed in the form of a leaf spring (15) which is connected with a first end (16) in the cavity (7) of the main part (14) and with a second end (16) to the movable element (3), wherein the leaf spring (15) is periodically actuated by the pressure exerted on the leaf spring (15) by the foot at the beginning of each step.

5. Orthopedic shoe sole (1) or insole according to claim 1, wherein the movable element (3) is connected to the main part (14) of the shoe sole (1) or insole via a plate (22) which makes it possible to lock the movable element (3) to the side at different angles of spread relative to the main part (14) of the sole (1).

6. Shoe comprising an orthopaedic shoe sole (1) or insole according to any one of claims 1 to 5.