Static ankle plantar-flexion prevention device

This invention relates to a device for the maintaining of the Plantar Fascia (aproneurosis) in a neutral to slight dorsiflexion by means of passive static tension, thus not allowing it to contract. This device consists of a (1) over the calf sock, (2) a reinforced adjustable support strap attached around the upper portion of the sock with a "D" ring attached to the front (shin) side, (3) a reinforced inelastic adjustable strap attached to the toe of the sock, with a hook and loop assembly attached for closure. When this strap is passed thru the "D" ring and secured by means of the hook and loop assembly, the Plantar Fascia can be maintained in the desired position. This device is of simple construction and uses only minimal adjustments to achieve and maintain the plantar aproneurosis in a neutral to slight dorsiflexion. Further it does not lock the ankle joint, thus allowing some medial or lateral movement of the subtalar joints. Also no attempt is made to prevent promation of the forefoot. The device is designed to be a supplemental form of treatment that, when worn at night or during extended periods of inactivity can, in conjunction with traditional treatment, significantly reduces the recovery time in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

BACKGROUND 
1. Field of Invention 
This invention relates to calcanial spur's more commonly referred to as 
heel spur's and a device that when worn, promotes and speeds the healing 
when used along with the more traditional treatments. 
2. Discription of Established Treatments 
On the sole of one's foot is a thick fibrous material called the "plantar 
aponeurosis or fascia". It originates at the medial tuberosity of the 
calcaneus (heel bone) and spreads out over the sole of the foot and 
terminates in the ligamentous structures near the metartarsal heads in the 
forefoot. The plantar aponeurosis, by its design, covers all of the soft 
tissue structures on the sole of the foot. It provides static support and 
acts like a bowstring in support of the medial longitudinal arch of the 
foot. Movements within the ankle and foot are very complex and require 
various amounts of freedom of movement. The plantar aponeurosis helps 
check motion within the joints of the ankle and forefoot. When these 
joints are stressed, the plantar aponeurosis may become inflamed and 
painful and facciitis may result. 
Plantar Fasciitis (heel spur syndrome) is a common problem among people 
whose occupation entail a great deal of walking or standing or who are 
active in sports. A calcanial spur is described as a bony growth on the 
lower surface of the heel bone (calcaneus). Some contributing factors to 
this condition are: flat feet, high arches, ridgid feet, poor shoe 
support, increased age, sudden weight increase, sudden increase in 
activity or after return from a period of inactivity and even family 
history. The problem may begin as a dull intermittent pain in the heel and 
progress to a sharp persistant pain. It is most often worse at the 
beginning of a sporting activity and with the first few steps after 
sitting or standing. It is most noticeably worse in the morning when first 
getting out of bed and it is mainly, but not exclusively, to this aspect 
that this invention is directed. 
In seeking relief from the pain of heel spurs the traditional treatment 
varies from rest to medication (including steroids) to physical therapy to 
orthosis or even surgical removal of the heel spur. While this device does 
not make the claim to be an exclusive remedy, it can be used in 
conjunction with the traditional treatments to enhance their effectiveness 
and possibly speed the recovery process. The nightly use of this device 
will provide an involuntary positive assist to the daily voluntary 
treatments. 
HOW THE INVENTION WORKS 
This device, when worn as prescribed, places the plantar aproneurosis in a 
state of passive, static, tension. While this tension is not of sufficient 
force so as to create a lengthening effect on the aponeurosis, it is of 
sufficient force so as to prevent it from contracting. This is achieved by 
holding the ankle and forefoot joints in a position of slight dorsiflexion 
and preventing the ankle and forefoot joints from adopting a position of 
plantarflexion. In this way, the plantar aponeurosis is not allowed to 
contract during the period that the device is being worn. The result is 
that after removal of the device by the wearer, and upon bearing weight on 
the effected foot, the plantar aponeurosis will not be placed in 
pathologic tension thus reducing and/or eliminating pain. 
OBJECTIVES 
The primary objective of this device is to maintain the plantar aponeurosis 
in a neutral to slightly stretched position on an involuntary basis while 
sleeping or resting. The most noticeable residual effect of the device is 
the reduction or elimination of those first painful steps as one gets out 
of bed in the morning. In addition the involuntary stretching of the 
plantar aponeurosis over a longer period of time helps to strengthen the 
arch of the foot.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE 
The device consists of an over the calf tube sock (A) attached to the top 
of which is an inelastic reinforcing strap (E). This inelastic reinforcing 
strap (E) measures twelve (12) inches by two (2) inches and is attached to 
the sock (A) by means of reinforced stitching. A "D" ring (C) is looped 
through the inelastic reinforcing strap (G) and attached at a lower end of 
the inelastic reinforcing strap (E). This places the "D" ring (C) at 
approximately the midline of the shin. A hook and loop assembly (F) is 
attached to the inelastic reinforcing strap (E) by means of reinforced 
stitching and aligned so closure takes place along the posterior of the 
sock (A). An inelastic strap (B) is attached to the "toe" end of the sock 
(A) by means of reinforced stitching. This inelastic strap (B) is ten (10) 
inches long and tapers from a width of 31/2 inches at the toe to 11/2 
inches at the top. A hook and loop assembly (D) is attached to the 
inelastic strap (B) at the upper end by means of standard stitching. 
The sock is put on in the normal way being sure to stretch it as high over 
the calf as possible with the "D" ring facing forward just below the knee 
(FIG. 3). Then the upper strap is secured around the leg (FIG. 3). The 
purpose of this strap is to help hold the "D" ring close to the leg and 
hold the sock in position. Then with the foot flat on the floor take the 
strap attached to the toe of the sock and pass it through the "D" ring 
from the bottom to the top (FIG. 4). Now pull up on the strap to lift the 
toes off of the floor and secure the hook and loop straps together in 
position (FIG. 5). The toes should be stretched upward but not so as to 
cause discomfort. 
ADVANTAGES OF THIS DEVICE 
1. It is very easy to use. 
2. It has only minimum adjustments to be made for proper use. 
3. It does not lock the ankle joint into any one position thus allowing 
some movement between the various joints preventing possible joint 
compression pain. 
4. It can safely be worn for several hours without adverse effect when 
applied properly. 
5. It can be worn to bed and provides no significant restrictions and will 
not interrupt normal sleep. 
6. It is an effective device providing low cost relief of heel spur 
symptoms. 
CONCLUSION 
This device is designed so as to reduce and/or eliminate the pain 
associated with plantar fasciitis (heel spurs). This is achieved by the 
wearing of this device during a period of inactivity (such as at rest or 
sleep). Once the device is properly applied to the wearer, a static force 
is applied so as to prevent the plantar aponeurosis from contracting such 
as occured with ankle plantarflexion. The end result is the reduction 
and/or elimination of pain typically felt under the heel during weight 
bearing.