Adjustable Ankle and Toe Orthopedic Device for Active Rehabilitation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic devices for treating lower limb musculoskeletal disorders, such as Achilles tendonitis and Plantar fasciitis, often require prolonged isolation of muscles and tendons, leading to muscle weakness and lack of controlled movement, as they typically use fixed positions for stretching rather than allowing active muscle activation.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic device with a leg, foot, and toe portion that allows for adjustable ankle and toe angles, enabling users to actively stretch and strengthen muscles by rotating the foot and toes through various positions, combined with a resistance system and optional nerve stimulation and massage components for enhanced treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the foot is secured in a fixed position to stretch soft tissue structures, then the fascia and Achilles tendon are maintained in a stretched position, but the wearer cannot selectively reposition the foot and muscle strength may weaken over time
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static fixed-position splint to a dynamic system with multiple adjustable ankle angle positions (acute and obtuse angles). The ankle joint mechanism allows the foot portion to be selectively positioned between plantarflexed and dorsiflexed positions, enabling both sustained stretching and active repositioning to maintain muscle strength while treating soft tissue disorders.
2Ease of operation
If exercise devices with resistance bands are used to enable active stretching and strengthening, then muscle activation is promoted, but the devices do not provide support or controlled rotation of the ankle and toes
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the support and control functions of a traditional orthopedic splint with the active exercise capabilities of resistance band devices. The ankle joint mechanism provides controlled rotation and positional support, while the resistance system enables active muscle engagement. This combination allows users to perform controlled active stretching exercises with proper anatomical support, achieving both muscle strengthening and reliable ankle control.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic device for treating musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb. The device includes a leg portion, a foot portion, and a toe portion. The leg portion is rotationally coupled to the foot portion at an ankle joint. The toe portion is rotationally coupled to the foot portion at a toe joint. The foot portion is selectively positionable relative to the leg portion at the ankle joint such that the foot portion may be arranged in a plurality of an ankle angles including plantarflexed and dorsiflexed positions. The toe portion is selectively positionable relative to the foot portion at the toe joint such that the toe portion may be arranged in a plurality of toe angles relative to the foot portion including plantarflexed and dorsiflexed positions.