Patent ID: 10524534

Abstract:
A method of forming a castless orthotic for a patient's foot in need thereof. The method comprises preparing an orthotic template for the foot wherein the template extends between a heel end and a toe end. In preparing the template the steps of attaching a three-quarter length or full length upper thermoplastic material to a or three-quarter length lower thermoplastic material, or providing a thermoplastic material having a variable thickness such that said thickness decreases from said heel end to said toe end is provided. Then attaching an outer lower layer to the lower thermoplastic material and attaching an outer upper layer to the upper thermoplastic material, or attaching an outer layer to each face of the variable thickness thermoplastic material and heating the prepared orthotic template for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature to soften the orthotic template. A wrap is then placed on top of the foot foam and the foot of the patient is placed on top of the wrap and foot foam. The patient's foot is lifted and the heated orthotic template is placed on top of the wrap and then placing the patient's foot on top of the heated orthotic template. The wrap is placed about the longitudinal axis of the foot to retain the heated orthotic template intermediate the sole of the foot and the foot foam whereby the sides of the orthotic template are particularly supported by the wrap. The method further includes ensuring the foot is positioned over a cuboid support and a medial longitudinal arch support wherein the cuboid support is disposed on the outside of the bottom of the foot and the cuboid support is moved to push the foot upwardly until a resistance is felt, and where the foot is also positioned over the medial longitudinal arch support which is then pushed and pulled upwardly until the foot is moved into a neutral position or if it is unable to be translated or rotated due to until it reaches its end range of motion. At this time, the heel of the patient's foot is lifted to place their weight substantially on the front of their foot and a coolant is applied to at least the heel end of the orthotic template.