Dynamic Hallux Tension Splint for Plantar Fasciitis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current static splints for treating plantar fasciitis restrict mobility, cause discomfort due to bulkiness and temperature/moisture issues, and fail to provide dynamic tension, leading to poor patient compliance and ineffective pain relief.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic tension splint that allows for adjustable tension on the great toe and ankle, using elastic straps and a VELCRO® hoop and loop fastener, enabling range of motion and normal ambulation, with a minimal profile design that mimics a sock for comfort and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static splints are used to treat plantar fasciitis, then the plantar fascia is tensed continuously, but patient compliance deteriorates due to discomfort, bulkiness, and restricted mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static splinting to dynamic splinting. The elastic band allows the hallux to move through its range of motion while maintaining continuous tension on the plantar fascia. The splint adapts to different foot positions and movements, providing therapeutic tension without the rigidity of traditional static splints, thereby improving comfort and patient compliance while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
2Reliability
If static splints restrict joint mobility to maintain tension, then the plantar fascia remains tensed, but normal ambulation and range of motion are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic splint allows the ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints to move through their full range of motion while maintaining therapeutic tension on the plantar fascia. The elastic band dynamically adjusts to foot position changes, enabling normal ambulation and joint mobility without compromising the continuous tension needed for treatment effectiveness.
3Reliability
If static splints are designed to provide continuous tension, then the plantar fascia is constantly stretched, but the device becomes bulky and interferes with temperature and moisture exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin, flexible elastic band instead of bulky rigid structures to maintain continuous tension on the plantar fascia. This flexible film approach provides the necessary therapeutic tension while allowing the foot to breathe, exchange moisture, and regulate temperature, thereby eliminating the thermal and moisture discomfort associated with traditional static splints.
4Reliability
If static splinting is applied to tense the plantar fascia, then pain relief may occur, but a burning sensation develops on the plantar surface due to static continuous stretch
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic splint eliminates the burning sensation by allowing continuous movement and adjustment of the hallux position while maintaining therapeutic tension. Unlike static splints that create a fixed, unyielding stretch, the elastic band dynamically adapts to foot movements, distributing tension more evenly and preventing the concentrated static pressure that causes burning sensations on the plantar surface.
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
The dynamic splint provides effective pain relief and increased patient compliance by allowing controlled tension on the plantar fascia, enabling unencumbered movement and addressing the limitations of static splints, making it suitable for daily use and improving night treatment of plantar fasciitis.
Implementation Method 1
A dynamic tension splint that allows for adjustable tension on the great toe and ankle, using elastic straps
Implementation Method 2
VELCRO® hoop and loop fastener
Implementation Method 3
VELCRO® hoop and loop fastener
Data Source
AI summary
A physical rehabilitation device for the treatment of a medical condition of the foot known as plantar fasciitis includes a splint which is connected to the toe and ankle of a patient. The splint can be used in a method for treating plantar fasciitis known as “dynamic splinting”. This device allows the patient to bend the ankle and thus dynamically change the flexion in the foot of the patient. The device itself is unique, but the method of treatment made possible by this device is also unique.