Dynamic Foot Support Device for Plantar Fasciitis Dorsiflexion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for plantar fasciitis, such as static foot support devices, limit mobility and are uncomfortable, leading to short treatment durations and potential circulation issues, as they cannot dynamically control dorsiflexion of the plantar fascia while allowing the patient to move.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic foot support device that applies tension to the ball of the foot via adjustable straps extending from the knee, allowing for controlled dorsiflexion of the plantar fascia while maintaining consistent pressure, even during mobility, using a sock with a strap channel guide member and adjustable tension assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If static foot support devices are used to treat plantar fasciitis, then dorsiflexion control is achieved, but patient mobility is limited and treatment duration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static splints to a dynamic system using a tension member that can slide through a guide member. This allows the device to adapt to patient movement while maintaining continuous dorsiflexion control, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary between the tension member and the foot assembly, allowing relative movement while maintaining control. This mediator enables both mobility and dorsiflexion control to coexist.
2Stability of the object's composition
If static foot support devices are used to maintain dorsiflexion, then plantar fascia extension is achieved, but comfort is reduced and treatment compliance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic tension member system allows the device to move with the patient, reducing discomfort from rigid constraint while maintaining the necessary plantar fascia extension for treatment effectiveness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If night splints are used to treat plantar fasciitis, then dorsiflexion is maintained, but circulation may be compromised and treatment time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic design allows the device to accommodate leg movement and positioning changes, preventing the circulation problems associated with rigid nighttime immobilization while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables prolonged and comfortable treatment of plantar fasciitis by allowing patients to move freely while maintaining consistent dorsiflexion of the plantar fascia, thereby reducing treatment duration and alleviating symptoms more effectively than static devices.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially inelastic tension member connectable between the calf strap and the foot assembly in a tensioned manner such that when the device is worn plantarflexion of the ankle is limited
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a method and foot support device for dynamically treating plantar fasciitis in the foot of a patient while enabling patient mobility. The method comprises applying tension to the ball of the foot via a strap held in tension by extending the strap to form a continuous loop, from opposite sides of the knee in the leg of the foot in treatment through an opening in a channel guide member oriented relative to the ball of the foot, with the strap connected at opposite ends thereof to the opposite sides of the knee in alignment with the rotatable joint of the knee and controlling dorsiflexion of the plantar fascia while the patient is mobile by slidably adjusting the position of the strap within the channel guide member in response to the mobility of the patient.