Devices and methods for treating plantar fasciitis

Abstract

Systems and methods for treating plantar faciitus are described in which a platform provides a heel position in a plane for stablizing a position of a foot of a patient wherein a toe receiving region of the platform is elevated at an angle relative to the heel. The treatment system includes one or more sensors to monitor treatment during a treatment session. The treatment sessions are recorded to an electronic medical record for the patient. The treatment system communicates to one or more external devices during or after each treatment session.

Description

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING PLANTAR FASCIITISBackground

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 671,371 filed on July 15, 2024, the entire contents of the above referenced application being incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults, affecting 1 out of 10 of the general population at some point during their lifetime. Treatment options for inflammation of the plantar fascia are varied, with the nonoperative standard of care for treatment typically involving plantar-specific stretching exercises, night splints, rolling the plantar aspect of the foot on a rounded object such as a baseball or tennis ball, as well as the application of ice and the use of anti-inflammatories to control swelling. However, in order to comply with these treatments, patients must be educated and have the physical ability to raise their foot and reach their foot with their hands. Many patients are unable to do this because of physical disability, age, or prior surgeries on their spine, hip, or knee. Alternatively, they may find the instructions too burdensome or painful and they consequently do not perform the stretching as demonstrated.

[0003] The key factor for adequately stretching the plantar fascia is to first dorsiflex the toes and then provide direct pressure on the plantar fascia. This is done by holding the toes up with one hand and pressing on the bottom of the foot with the other hand. Studies have demonstrated a 95% success rate for resolving plantar fasciitis with adequate use of this technique. Existing products fail to provide a consistent means for enabling the patient to self-administer this procedure.Summary

[0004] The devices and methods described herein enable patients to perform both of these actions, namely, toe dorsiflexion and pressure to aspects of the foot and ankle to treat conditions such as treatment of the plantar fascia, without the need to uncomfortably extend or contort the patient’s body thereby enabling self-administration of the required therapy. In one example, the foot being treated can be positioned on the device so that the toes of the foot are displaced into dorsiflexion. This places the plantar fascia under tension, which is important for more effectivetherapy. Preferred methods include a contact surface having a curved shape to engage the bottom of the foot along the plantar fascia. Examples of a curved contact surface include a ball or rod that is positioned on the device at the proper location at the plantar midfoot to push against the plantar fascia from the bottom, acting to stretch the fascia. This enables the proper stretch to be performed with the patient’s foot resting on the device and thereby permits patients who are otherwise unable or unwilling to benefit from plantar-specific stretching.

[0005] Preferred embodiments thus provide a process in which the heel of the foot is positioned on a platform having a heel support and a toe deflection element or elements that are positioned so that the deflection element is spaced apart from the heel support to accommodate the foot size of the patient which produces both toe dorsiflexion and direct pressure at the plantar fascia.

[0006] Further exemplary embodiments include sensors to measure the duration of treatment sessions and the level of pressure applied to the fascia during treatment. This information can be recorded during each treatment session. The system can include battery-powered electronics and wired and / or wireless communication devices to facilitate the transmission of recorded data to treatment providers and to the patient’s electronic medical record to monitor the progress of treatment and provide further guidance to configure the device for further treatment sessions.

[0007] The treatment system can communicate with an external or remote computing device such as a mobile phone of the user or a networked device associated with a clinic, hospital, physical therapist or other treatment provider to facilitate treatment monitoring. A mobile phone, tablet, or other readily available mobile communication device can be configured with a software application to provide the direct communication link to the treatment device described herein. This can enable the user or treatment provider to view the therapy in real-time or after completion and can enable the display of data regarding each therapy session. The treatment device can also include a display device that is configured with a graphical user interface enabling the user to view the treatment session and / or instructions regarding use of the device during treatment. The display can comprise a touchscreen display with one or more menus allowing entry of patient data or the selection of operating parameters for each therapy session.

[0008] The treatment device can include an enclosed electronics module in a module housingon the platform that is connected to one or more sensors mounted on the platform and a display and / or a light status indicator panel. The electronics module includes a processor, a memory, a wireless transmitter / receiver and a rechargeable battery. The device can be clocked with an internal clock to monitor treatment session timing. The device may include external ports to an external battery charger, external power, and for a wired connection for direct access to the memory and processor that enable the user to access data and reconfigure operating parameters for the system.

[0009] The system has been tested with cadavers to measure the pressure applied to the plantar aponeurosis in which sensors were attached to positions on the fascia where tension was measured by calculating the displacement of the sensors in various conditions including at rest, with great toe and lesser toe dorsiflexion. Measurements were recorded with manual pressure and also with weights attached to apply specific force levels to the fascia. The results indicate that dorsiflexion of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints provides a baseline deformation that can be reproduced and that along with direct pressure on the plantar fascia, the applied tension with the device described herein consistently equals or exceeds that achieved by manual pressure.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a plantar fascia treatment device in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

[0011] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing an adjustable contact surface to engage a bottom of the foot in relation to toe deflection elements.

[0012] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the electronics module for selected exemplary embodiments.

[0013] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of exemplary embodiments of the treatment device employing adjustable toe positioning elements.

[0014] Figs. 5A-5C illustrate front and back side views and a bottom perspective view of the an exemplary treatment device.

[0015] Fig. 6 illustrates a mobile computing device having a display and configured to control and view a treatment session by wired or wireless link.

[0016] Fig. 7 schematically shows features of the treatment device and the remote computing device.

[0017] Fig. 8 shows a process sequence showing steps of a method for operating the treatment device in accordance with preferred embodiments.Detailed Description

[0018] The treatment device described herein provides for the treatment of inflammation of the plantar fascia of a patient wherein a platform provides support of the foot requiring treatment in which the heel is stabilized and the toe support is elevated at an angle to cause toe dorsiflexion and thereby stretch the fascia which is engaged by a curved support surface on the platform to exert pressure on the fascia.

[0019] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 1, the platform 10 includes a base 18 that rests on the floor, for example, during use in which a seated user can position the foot undergoing treatment between the heel support elements 12, 14 and the toe deflector 42 that is elevated above the plane 45 at an angle 47 relative to the foot support region 17 in plane 52. The foot support region 17 supports the metatarsal bones of the foot in plane 52 which is oriented at angle 19 relative to heel plate 12 in plane 50. The heel support element 14 extends vertically from heel plate 12 to cradle the heel of the foot and thereby stabilize the foot during treatment. The heel plate 12 is attached to an upper end of a spring element 16 that has a lower end attached to the base 18 wherein the spring element 16 enables the foot to rock the heel by compression and release of tension in the spring. Although a coil spring 16 is illustrated, other spring elements can be configured to provide the required motion and tensioning to cause sufficient pressure on the plantar fascia where the upper curved surface of foot pressure contact 24 engages the bottom of the foot. The support post 26 for the pressure contact 24 is inserted into the mounting element slots 27 so that a lower portion of the post 26 can extend partially into or through plate 15 that connects the heel plate 12 to the toe support 17 of the device 10. The lower end of post 26 may extend into region 29 below plate 15 during adjustment of the height of pressure contact 24. The height, orientation, and position of the contact surface 24 can be adjusted to contact different locations on the bottom of the foot. A position and / or pressure sensor 80 mounted at region 29 can be used to record the position of the contact surface 24 for each session or during sessions. The tension in the spring canalso be measured by a further pressure or displacement sensor at the spring mount position, for example. The spring element 16 can be mounted at an angle 25 and can compress and extend along axis 21, for example. In this embodiment, there are three inserts 40, 42, and 44, one of which being a toe deflector 42, whereby the toe deflector 42 can be moved to the upper, middle, or lower slots 41, 43, and 47 as shown and described herein. Alternatively, the toe deflector 42 can slide along the surface 17 and be locked in a position. A display or light emitting panel 60 is mounted on the platform for viewing during use to indicate operating conditions for the device 10. An electronics module can be housed in the cavity 20 with a wiring channel 22 for connecting to the display and sensor components as described herein.

[0020] Shown in Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary placement of a foot of a user for treatment. The upper contact surface of pressure component 24, as shown in the detailed view of Fig. 2, is positioned beneath the plantar fascia to apply pressure to the affected area. The contact surface can be selectively moved left, right, forward, and back using slots 27 passing through the mounting element or plate 15, as well as up and down, to precisely fit at the required location for the patient’s foot to be treated. Inserts or moveable elements 40, 42, and 44 can be used to flex the toes of the user’s foot upward to cause dorsiflexion and thereby provide tension to the plantar fascia in this example.

[0021] The procedure typically employs the following example of a sequence of steps where the patient is seated.1 . Positioning the Platform: Position the platform 5 to 10 inches away from the chair, for example, ensuring the LED lights at display or emitter panel 60 face the user.2. Initial Seating: Sit comfortably in the chair, placing one foot firmly on the ground while positioning other foot on the platform for treatment. Ensure the heel is securely seated in the heel support 14 and the patient’s toes are appropriately aligned on the inclined section of the platform.3. Activating the Device: Press gently down with the foot on the platform. Continue applying pressure until the LED indicator turns green, signaling a moderate stretch is applied to the plantar fascia. Maintain consistent downward pressure throughout the exercise.4. Exercise Duration: Hold this position for 10 seconds, for example, ensuring a steady stretch. After the duration, gently relax the patient’s foot, allowing it to return to a neutral, unstressed position.5. Repetition and Frequency: Complete a series of ten consecutive repetitions, maintaining each stretch for ten seconds, for example. Perform this routine three times daily on the affected foot.6. After experience with the device 10, the user may choose to stand instead of sit while using the device 10 to help stretch the foot. In this case, place the device 10 comfortably near a table, arm rail, or other secure surface to hold on to for balance, if needed.

[0022] To adjust the device 10 as required for treatment, the following options can be accessed by viewing or listening to recorded instructions:1 . Initial Setup: Have the patient sit comfortably in a chair, placing one foot firmly on the ground and the other on the therapy platform that is statically positioned on the floor or other support surface. .2. Heel Support Adjustment: a. Locate the heel support on the platform. b. Adjust the heel support 14 by sliding it to align with the patient's heel size. Secure the heel rest into the designated holes on the platform to ensure it fits snugly under the patient's heel.C. Ensure the toes naturally extend over the platform, aligning with one of the toe position slots.3. Toe Positioning Wedge Adjustment: a. Find the toe positioning wedge on the platform. b. Slide the wedge into the slot that allows the patient's toes to be gently dorsiflexed (toes pointing upward) while maintaining heel contact with the heel plate 12.C. This positioning should feel comfortable for the user while inducing a stretch in plantar fascia.4. Filling Unused Slots: a. Insert flat fillers into any unused slots adjacent to the toe positioning wedge.These fillers prevent discomfort and avoid direct contact with the hard edges ofthe slots. In another embodiment, the elements 40, 42, 44 can lay flat relative to the plane of angled surface 17 and thereby reduce the amount of dorsiflexion, or that can be released to rotate upwards under tension applied by mounting springs, in a further embodiment or actuated by motors that can rotate the elements 40, 42, 44 into the desired position.5. Adjusting Pressure Component: a. The direct pressure component is designed to apply targeted pressure on the plantar fascia. b. Adjust its height by using the rotation mechanism, which should be turned until the patient feels adequate pressure (not painful) on the plantar fascia.C. The goal is to achieve a therapeutic stretch without causing discomfort.

[0023] As noted previously, the mechanical components are assembled as shown in the detailed views of Figs. 2, 4 and 5A-5C wherein Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the device with a mounted display 60 or light emitting panel.

[0024] The main mechanism working in this device 10 is controlling the applied pressure based on the displacement of the platform using the spring equation while knowing the spring constant. Actuation can be generated by a spring / damper or other embodiment that can use pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, or other modalities including sensors to measure the force applied to the device and foot. The spring can be selected to provide variable distance and spring constant so that the compression of the spring requires different amounts of foot pressure. The amount of spring deflection for a given level of force can comprise one of the adjustable operating parameters for the system.

[0025] The platform 10 is sized using a few movable parts, so users with varying foot sizes may use the device for treatment. Three or more inserts 40, 42, 44 fit into the designated slots 41, 43, 47, for example, as seen in Fig. 4, 5A and 5B. One is angled to fit into a slot beneath the toes, causing the plantar fascia to stretch out and the toe to dorsiflex. The two additional wedges with flat surfaces can be inserted into the vacant slots for added comfort.

[0026] The heel support 14 is a movable component that is fastened to the device 10 with any mechanical connector that will allow for adjustment of the heel position onto the device 10. Thiscomponent increases the device's sizing flexibility.

[0027] The electronic module as shown in Fig. 3 includes a processor 70, a memory 72, an indicator system or display 74, and a power source 76 such as a battery connected to the electronics module that may be accessed for service and replacement of the battery in bottom surface panel 11 as seen in Fig. 5C. Fig. 5A shows a back side view of the device 10 with section plane 45 defining the cross-sectional view of Fig. 1. The toe panel inserts 40, 42, 44 are shown removed from the corresponding slots 41, 43, and 47 seen in Fig. 4 and in the front side view of Fig. 5B.

[0028] Limit switches can be incorporated to constrain the platform up and down movements. Displacement 80 and / or pressure sensors 82 can be placed to measure and record the continuous usage of the device 10. One or more force sensors 84 can be attached to the platform at the heel plate, on the support region 17 and / or at the toe deflector 42 to check and validate the resulting force on the desired position. A gyroscope sensor can be included in sensor system 120 (Fig. 7) that be attached to the platform to record the foot's angular position during usage, which can be shared with the doctor or care giver as an export Excel version. A clock sensor can also be included in sensor system 120 or integrated into the controller or processor on the processor board 111 such that the control system records usage time along with the system's working period or treatment session. Sensors can include a variety of transducers, regardless of design, that enable the device's operating requirements.

[0029] The processor control section of the electronics module comprises a processor 70 (i.e, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or any similar device), a memory 72, a clocking circuit, a wireless transceiver 78 and / or communication interface mounted on one or more circuit boards that can communicate with sensors and output and processes the data, data storage and communicate packets of data to a phone, tablet or other wireless communication device 160 or transmit the data the patient’s or a remote clinic data server 150 via one or more networks or online accessible media such as via WIFI, Bluetooth or any other suitable communication protocol.

[0030] An light emitting diode (LED) panel can be used as an indicator to alert the user at the time of start and stop, turn on / off, or low battery condition. It may contain LED or other visual indicators, sound alerts, and a monitor / display unit 60 for tracking usage over time. A speaker at display 60 or on a user’s mobile communication device can also be used to communicate with theuser. The LED panel communicates through a control system and interfaces with the electronics module and the user.

[0031] A power source (i.e., rechargeable battery) can be attached and secured to the control system to provide power to the system, which enables portability of the device which can be hand carried or transported on a cart.

[0032] A separate storage unit would be considered and connected to the processing unit for saving the data and storing it for future transfer and send to the care provider. This can be any storage device compatible with the processor (SD card, flash drive, internal drive, or cloud storage).

[0033] The electronic module is preferably water resistant in case it is used in the bathroom or on a wet surface. Wiring from the control system to sensors and indicators is hidden inside the platform for safety.

[0034] The treatment device 10 described herein includes a plurality of operating features including:1. Versatile Pressure Components: The device 10 is equipped with interchangeable pressure components of varying shapes and embodiments, enabling the application of pressure across either a broad surface area or a specific point. This adaptability allows for a tailored therapeutic approach to address diverse plantar fascia conditions.2. Material Diversity for Pressure Component Heads: The heads of the pressure components are fabricated from materials with distinct mechanical and thermal properties. Options include but are not limited to materials with high stiffness and substantial thermal coefficients, permitting the components to be cooled or heated. This feature facilitates the use of thermotherapy as an adjunct to mechanical stretching, offering a multipronged therapeutic modality.3. Wireless Connectivity for Enhanced Monitoring: The device 10 incorporates Bluetooth / Wi-Fi / other communication modalities, enabling the transmission of critical data, such as the applied force and the frequency of exercises, to healthcare providers. Thisremote monitoring capability allows real-time device utilization tracking, facilitating personalized patient care and optimizing therapeutic outcomes.4. Customizable Pressure Adjustment: In response to a physician's evaluation, the device's 10 spring constant can be modified to calibrate applied pressure precisely. This adjustment capability ensures the device 10 can be tailored to individual patient needs, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and comfort during use.5. Data Acquisition and Management: The device 10 is designed to record and store essential usage metrics, including raw data and usage duration. This information can be archived for longitudinal analysis and shared with healthcare providers, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the patient's engagement with the therapy and facilitating informed clinical decisions.6. Different applications: Other than plantar fasciitis, this device 10 can be used for other conditions such as tendinopathy, toe ROM or stiffness, and other lower extremity conditions. Ankle and foot stiffness can be addressed by placing the foot directly into the device 10 and rocking the knee forward over the toes. This involves placing the ankle into dorsiflexion and stretching the Achilles tendon and posterior capsule of the ankle. Toe stiffness can be similarly managed by placing the toes against the toe pad and allowing the weight of the foot to push the toes up, increasing toe range of motion. Achilles and midfoot tendinopathy is typically treated with stretching activities at baseline. This device 10 can similarly permit stretching of the tendons in the foot and ankle, thereby treating the tendinopathy as well. The tension of the spring device and the shape and position of the pressure application device can be adjusted to better address specific locations of pain in the foot and ankle. Sensors and moving components of the treatment device can include a plurality of transducers to actuate device operation and monitor the operating conditions.

[0035] Operating conditions for the treatment device need to be monitored for safe operation during treatment, including:1 . Electronic Component Safety: All electronic components are housed within an insulated case to minimize electrical risks. If the system becomes wet, the 9-volt DC battery minimizes the risk of electric discharge. However, exposure to water may disrupt datacollection. Should this occur, please contact the provided support contact immediately for assistance.2. Battery Indicator and Charging: Monitor the LED indicator for battery status. A red light signifies a depleted battery. Conveniently recharge the device 10 using a USB cable, which can be connected at the designated port either on the side or front of the device 10, adjacent to the electronic housing.

[0036] Illustrated in connection with Figs. 6 and 7 is a mobile communication device 150, for example a mobile phone or tablet device, that operates an interface with the treatment device 10. Mobile communication device 150 can comprise a web enabled phone having a touchscreen display 152. A graphical user interface 160 operating on display 152 can be configured to provide interactive control of operating parameters of treatment device 10 using touch-actuated icons 164, 165 and moving touch gestures. Icons 164, for example, can be used to access program control windows such as the presets selection window to select different presets 165. Presets 165 can comprise pre-programmed operating parameters that correspond to different therapies for different conditions, or they can be different levels of treatment for the same condition. Preset 1, for example, can comprise operating parameters such as the frequency of treatment sessions, the length of treatment sessions, and the minimum pressure required during each session for a relatively mild case for a particular condition. Presets 2 and 3 may correspond to a more moderate or severe condition respectively, for example. The icons for stored data, audio programming and summary reports or assessments can be selected to display different virtual windows 162 on the display 152. These features comprise the software module that can be downloaded onto the mobile communication device 150 to provide interactive control. Mobile communication device 150 can be connected to treatment device 10 by wired connection 117, by wireless transmission 118, or can communication with a cloud computing operation 505 whereby data can be accessed and stored.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 7, an exemplary treatment device 110 can include a processor board 111 , a light emitter panel 115a and / or display, a sensor array to measure operating characteristics of the device 110, a sensor processing system 120 whereby sensor data is processed, stored and configured into data fields for transmission to remote computing device 150. Speakers 116 can be integrated into the system that can enable use of audio programming including instructions on useof the device. The battery 118 provides power to the device 110 enabling mobile use of the device 110. Remote computing device 150 can be operated by a user or by a treatment provider to access programming of the treatment device 110. The computing device 150 can include one or more processors 155 having one or more cores to process discrete operations. The display 152 includes a GUI 160 operated by a touch processor interface 420. As noted herein, communication interface 154 enables connection to one or more communication networks. The computing device 150 has an operating system 410 configured to operate the software module performing control, data processing, data storage, and data communication as described herein for the treatment device 110. Computing device 150 can optionally include a virtual machine 412 operating on a discrete processor 402’ with cores 404’ that enables virtual state information for the treatment device and enables the user to remotely adjust operating parameters during use. A memory 156 stores separate software processing sub-modules and can communicate with external databases 401 for data storage and external processing.

[0038] The software module operating on the processor of the treatment device 110 is configured to perform a sequence of steps for providing treatment to the patient. An exemplary process sequence 500 for providing treatment to a patient is illustrated in Fig. 8. Initially, a treatment provider evaluates 502 a condition of the patient such as the degree to which an injury to one or both feet of the patient has occurred to determine a course of treatment. Patient data can be entered 504 and an electronic medical record is created by entry of a prescribed course of treatment 506 such as to treat plantar fasciitis for example. This can include selection of operating parameters for the treatment device 110 such as the length of one or more treatment sessions, the frequency of the treatment sessions for a period of days, weeks or months, for example. The amount of pressure to be applied during each session can also be entered. The size of the foot to be treated can also be entered which can define the placement of the adjustable components such as the heel stabilizer, the position for toe elevation, and the height and position of the contact surface that engages the bottom of the foot. The system sets a calendar schedule to perform 508 the one or more treatment session. The data, including sensor data, for each treatment session is recorded 510 that includes the actual length of each session, and the accumulated sessions over the entire course of treatment. The user and / or the treatment provider can optionally enter annotated text associated with one or more treatment sessions to indicate the status of treatment and whether a change in the prescribed course of treatment is needed.

[0039] Throughout the specification and the claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or.” Further, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean one or more unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

[0040] In this description, numerous specific details have been set forth. It is to be understood, however, that implementations of the disclosed technology can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “one implementation,” “an implementation,” “example implementation,” “various implementations,” “some implementations,” etc., indicate that the implementation(s) of the disclosed technology so described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every implementation necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one implementation” does not necessarily refer to the same implementation, although it can.

[0041] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0042] While certain implementations of the disclosed technology have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various implementations, it is to be understood that the disclosed technology is not to be limited to the disclosed implementations, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0043] This written description uses examples to disclose certain implementations of the disclosed technology, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice certain implementations of the disclosed technology, including making and using anydevices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of certain implementations of the disclosed technology is defined in the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0044] Exemplary flowcharts are provided herein for illustrative purposes and are non-limiting examples of methods. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that exemplary methods may include more or fewer steps than those illustrated in the exemplary flowcharts, and that the steps in the exemplary flowcharts may be performed in a different order than the order shown in the illustrative flowcharts.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A foot treatment platform for treating plantar fasciitis comprising; a heel support mounted on a static foot platform base such that a heel of a foot of a subject can displace the heel support relative to the platform base under pressure; a toe support mounted on the static foot platform base wherein the toe support has a proximal surface and an upper toe contact surface that deflects at an angle relative to the proximal surface on the toe support to provide toe dorsiflexion; and a rounded contact surface positioned between the heel support and the toe support configured such that the rounded contact surface contacts a foot surface at the plantar fascia.

2. The foot treatment platform of claim 1 further comprising a foot support that includes the heel support and the toe support.

3. The foot treatment platform of claim 2 wherein the foot support further comprises a coupling element that supports the rounded contact surface and connects the heel support to the toe support.

4. The foot treatment platform of any one of claims 1 -3 wherein the rounded contact surface is attached to the coupling element with a support post and includes an upper rounded surface.

5. The foot treatment platform of claim 4 wherein the support post moves relative to the coupling element to adjust a position of the rounded contact surface relative to the heel support.

6. The foot treatment platform of any one of claims 1 -5 wherein the toe support is rotationally coupled to the static platform.

7. The foot treatment platform of any one of claims 1- 6 wherein a spring device connects the heel support to the static foot platform base.

8. The foot treatment platform of any one of claims 1-7 further comprising a sensor to measure an operation of the foot treatment platform, the sensor including at least one of a pressure sensor and rotational sensor.

9. The foot treatment platform of any one of claims 1-8 further comprising a memory to record sensor data.

10. The foot treatment platform of any one of claims 1-9 further comprising an electronics module mounted to the platform, the electronics module including a processor and a communication device having a wireless transmitter or a network port to transmit data to an external computing device.

11. The foot treatment platform of 10 wherein the electronics module is connected to at least one of a light emitting panel and a display that indicates an operating condition of the platform.

12. The foot treatment platform of any one of claims 1-11 wherein the spring device undergoes compression and extension in response to downward and upward movement of the foot on the heel support.

13. The foot treatment platform of claim 10 wherein the external computing device comprises a mobile phone having a display and a processor configured to display an operating condition of the platform.

14. The foot treatment platform of claim 10 wherein the electronics module generates an electronic medical record for a treatment session.

15. The foot treatment platform of any one of claims 1-14 wherein the toe support upper surface has an adjustable position relative to the platform.

16. The foot treatment platform of any one of claims 1-15 wherein the heel support has an adjustable heel retainer.

17. The foot treatment platform of claim 11 wherein the display comprises a touchscreen display programmed to control an operation of the electronics module.

18. The foot treatment platform of claim 10 wherein the electronics module includes a memory that stores sensor data.

19. The foot treatment platform of claim 10 wherein the electronics module is powered by at least one of a battery mounted on the foot treatment platform or by a cable connected to s power source.

20. A device for treating plantar fasciitis comprising; a heel support mounted on a foot platform base such that a heel of a foot of a subject can displace the heel support relative to the platform base under pressure; a toe support mounted on the foot platform base wherein the toe support has a proximal surface and an upper toe contact surface that deflects at an angle relative to the proximal surface on the toe support; a rounded contact surface positioned between the heel support and the toe support configured such that the rounded contact surface contacts a foot surface at the plantar fascia; and a sensor that measures a pressure applied to the plantar fascia with the rounded contact surface.

21. The device of claim 20 further comprising a foot support that includes the heel support and the toe support to provide toe dorsiflexion.

22. The device of claim 21 wherein the foot support further comprises a coupling element that supports the rounded contact surface and connects the heel support to the toe support.

23. The device of any one of claims 20-22 wherein the rounded contact surface is attached to the coupling element with a support post and includes an upper rounded surface.

24. The device of claim 23 wherein the support post moves relative to the coupling element to adjust a position of the rounded contact surface relative to the heel support.

25. The device of any one of claims 20-24 wherein the toe support to rotationally coupled to the platform that is configured to be statically positioned on a support surface.

26. The device of any one of claims 20-25 wherein a spring device connects the heel support to the platform.

27. The device of any one of claims 20-26 further comprising a second sensor to measure an operation of the foot treatment platform, the sensor including at least one of a position sensor and rotational sensor.

28. The device of any one of claims 20-27 further comprising a memory to record sensor data.

29. The device of any one of claims 20-28 further comprising an electronics module mounted to the platform, the electronics module connected to the sensor and including a processor and a communication device to transmit data to an external computing device.

30. The device of 29 wherein the electronics module is connected to at least one of a light emitting panel and a display that indicates an operating condition of the platform.

31. The device of any one of claims 26 wherein the spring device undergoes compression and extension in response to downward and upward movement of the foot on the heel support.

32. The device of claim 29 wherein the external computing device comprises a mobile phone having a display and a processor configured to display an operating condition of the platform.

33. The device of claim 29 or 32 wherein the electronics module generates an electronic medical record for a treatment session.

34. The device of any one of claims 20-33 wherein the toe support upper surface has an adjustable position relative to the platform.

35. The device of any one of claims 20-34 wherein the heel support has an adjustable heel retainer.

36. The device of claim 32 wherein the display comprises a touchscreen display programmed to control an operation of the electronics module.

37. The device of claim 29 wherein the electronics module includes a memory that stores sensor data.

38. The device of any one of claims 29-37 wherein the electronics module is powered by at least one of a battery mounted on the foot treatment platform or by a cable connected to s power source.

39. The device of claim 20 further comprising a software program configured to operate the electronics module to perform a treatment session during a treatment period.

40. A method for treating plantar fasciitis comprising: positioning a foot of a user on a foot support mounted on a static platform of a treatment device wherein the plantar fascia is under pressure by a rounded surface mounted on the foot support; actuating movement of the foot support relative to the static platform such that the plantar fascia is stretched under pressure from the rounded surface;measuring a pressure applied to the plantar fascia by the rounded surface with a pressure sensor mounted on the treatment device.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein the rounded surface is mounted on the foot support that includes the pressure sensor.

42. The method of claim 40 wherein a position of the rounded surface relative to the foot support is adjustable such that the rounded surface can be configured to contact different portions of the plantar fascia.

43. The method of claim 42 wherein the foot support further comprises a toe dorsiflexion element.

44. The method of claim 43 further comprising adjusting a position of the toe dorsiflexion element on the foot support.

45. The method of any one of claims 40-44 further comprising operating the treatment device with an electronics module having a processor and a memory.

46. The method of claim 45 further comprising transmitting sensor data from the electronics module to an external computing device by wired or wireless communication interface.

47. The method of claim 45 further comprising generating an electronic medical record for a treatment session including the pressure sensor data.

48. The method of claim 45 further comprising displaying an operating condition of the treatment device on a display.

49. The method of any one of claims 40-48 further comprising a software program stored on a memory that processes the sensor data.

50. The method of claim 49 wherein the software program is configured to control transmission of data to an external device by wireless transmitter.

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