Abstract:
A drop foot brace includes a securing member configured to be secured to a leg of a user, a foot-receiving member and a tensioning component. The tensioning component may include an elongated element a rotatable tightening member for adjusting a tension in the elongated element and two or more support engagers associated with the elongated element. Each support engager may include a long, curved hook guide that receives the elongated element and that is configured to minimize deformation and breakage of the elongate element. In addition, each support engager may include a hook configured to engage a corresponding feature of a foot-receiving member. The foot-receiving member may comprise footwear, such as a shoe or boot, or it may be configured to enable us of the support member (and, thus, of the drop foot brace) without footwear that covers the top, or dorsal portion, of the foot. Thus, the drop foot brace may be used when an individual decides to go barefoot or when the individual wears flip-flops or other sandals. Methods for addressing drop foot are also disclosed.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This disclosure relates generally to orthotic devices and, more specifically, to orthotic devices that are configured for use in treating conditions that relate to feet, including foot drop. This disclosure also relates to systems and methods for treating foot drop. 
       BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART 
       [0002]    Foot drop, which is also known as “drop foot,” is a condition in which the front part of an individual&#39;s foot, or “forefoot,” and his or her toes drop. Various causes of foot drop include weakness of the forefoot, injury to the peroneal nerve, paralysis of muscles in the anterior, or front, portion of the lower leg (i.e., the shin), or a variety of other conditions, such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or others. The condition may be temporary or permanent, and can affect one foot or both of an individual&#39;s feet. 
         [0003]    Because foot drop affects an individual&#39;s ability to lift his or her forefoot, it can cause difficulty walking. A person with foot drop may drag his or her toes along the ground when walking or lift his or her knee higher than normal while walking in order to prevent the foot from dragging, resulting in what is commonly referred to as “steppage gait.” These complications may make decrease the mobility of affected individuals. 
         [0004]    While various orthotic devices are available for treating foot drop, they are often difficult and clumsy to set up and adjust. Many require specialized or modified shoes. The complexity, weight, and lack of flexibility associated with many orthotic devices make them less convenient for affected individuals. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    This disclosure, in one aspect, relates to approaches for providing an orthotic device for treating foot drop or other conditions where the forefoot of the person requires additional support. 
         [0006]    In one aspect, an orthotic device for addressing foot drop, or a “drop foot brace,” includes a securing member that is configured to secure the drop foot brace to the leg of a user. The securing member includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface is configured to face inwardly toward the leg of the user, while the exterior surface is configured to face outwardly, away from the user&#39;s leg. The securing member may comprise an elongated element, such as a band, that is configured to be wrapped at least partially around the user&#39;s leg. In some embodiments, the securing member may be configured to wrap completely around the user&#39;s leg. An engagement element (e.g., hook and loop fasteners, etc.) may enable securing of the securing member to the leg. The securing member may comprise an adjustable strap, which may enable the length of the securing element to be tailored. The securing member may also include perforations, which may make the securing member more breathable and, therefore, more comfortable for a user to wear. 
         [0007]    The drop foot brace may include a tensioning component that may be configured to removably couple with a support member that may be associated with a user&#39;s forefoot. The support member may comprise footwear (e.g., a shoe, boot, etc.) or a foot-receiving member that is configured to be worn on a user&#39;s forefoot. The tensioning component may, in one implementation, include at least one elongated element (e.g., a flexible element, such as a cord, a cable, etc.) and at least two support engagers (e.g., hooks, etc.). 
         [0008]    The support engagers may be configured to engage eyelets or other features in an item of footwear (e.g., a shoe, a boot, etc.) or corresponding features of another embodiment of a foot-receiving member. Each support engager may be configured to move along a length of the elongated element and, in some embodiments, may include guides that are configured to prevent damage to the elongated element when the elongated element is under tension. 
         [0009]    The tensioning component of a drop foot brace may also include a tightening element, which may be disposed on the exterior surface of the securing member. The tightening element may be configured to enable a user to selectively and controllably adjust the tension in the elongated element and, thus, pull the support engagers toward the securing member, as well as pull a support member that has been engaged by the support engagers closer to the securing member, all to exert an upward force on the forefoot of the user. The tightening may comprise a rotatable element, which may be configured to wind the elongated element about a spool. 
         [0010]    Guides on the securing member of the drop foot brace may ensure that the elongated element is properly positioned, and that it remains properly positioned as the tension in the elongated element is adjusted. In a specific embodiment, a center guide may be disposed somewhat centrally on the securing member, towards a lower edge of the securing member. A lateral guide may also be disposed on the securing member, at a location that is lateral to (i.e., on the out-side of the foot and ankle) and higher than that of the center guide. A medial guide may be disposed on the securing member at a location that is medial to (i.e., on the in-side of the foot and ankle) and higher than that of the center guide, and opposite from the location of the lateral guide. Lateral and medial support engagers may be disposed on the elongated element, with the lateral support engager being positioned between the center guide and the lateral guide and the medial support engager being positioned between the center guide and the medial guide. 
         [0011]    In certain embodiments, the foot-receiving member is a band configured to be disposed (e.g., wrapped, etc.) at least partially around a foot of a user and to couple with the tensioning component; for example, by being engaged by the lateral and medial support engagers. The band may be worn over a footwear item, such as a sandal or flip-flop, or it may be worn over a bare foot of a user. The foot-receiving member may also include a strap oriented transverse to the band and configured and oriented to fit between a user&#39;s toes to help maintain the position of the band. 
         [0012]    Also disclosed herein is a system. In various embodiments, a system may include a foot-receiving member (e.g., an item of footwear, a band, etc.) and a drop foot brace. In a specific embodiment, where the foot-receiving member comprises an item of footwear, the footwear may be configured to be secured to a wearer&#39;s foot with laces. Such an item of footwear may include an upper with first second sides and a tongue disposed partially beneath and between the first and second sides. In use, laces are often secured between the first and second sides of the upper in a crisscross pattern over the tongue to secure the item of footwear to the foot. The footwear item may be a specialized footwear item designed for use with the drop foot brace, or may be a standard item of footwear. 
         [0013]    The drop foot brace of such a system may include a securing member that comprises a cuff that is configured to encircle a portion of a leg of a user between the user&#39;s ankle and his or her knee. A tensioning component carried by the cuff (e.g., an elongated element, support engagers, guides, etc.) is configured to removably couple to at least a first lace guide (e.g., a hole, an eyelet, a hook, a loop, etc.) on the first side of upper and a second lace guide on the second side of the upper. A tightening element, which may be carried by (e.g., attached to, etc.) the cuff and coupled to the tensioning component may include a spool and a control for winding the tensioning component about the spool to adjust (e.g., apply, release, etc.) tension on the tensioning component. 
         [0014]    Further disclosed herein is a method for bracing a drop foot. The method may include attaching a securing member, such as a cuff, to a leg of an individual drop foot brace above the ankle and below the knee. The securing member may be oriented such that a tightening element is outwardly disposed on a forward facing surface of the securing member (e.g., over a user&#39;s shin, etc.). The method may also securing a foot-receiving member to a user&#39;s foot, as well as and coupling an elongated element of a tensioning component of the drop foot brace, which elongated element is associated with to the tightening element, to the foot-receiving member. A control of the tightening element may be actuated in a manner that increases tension within the tensioning component (e.g., causes the tensioning component to wind around a spool of the tightening element, etc.) until a desired amount of tension has been applied to the elongated element and a desired amount of force has been applied to the foot-receiving member (e.g., when the leg and the foot are oriented at a desired angle (e.g., about 90°, etc.) to one another. 
         [0015]    Other aspects, as well as the features and advantages of various aspects, of the disclosed subject matter will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the ensuing description, the accompanying figures, and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    In the Figures: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an exterior surface of an embodiment of an orthotic device for addressing foot drop, or “drop foot device”; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 2A through 2C  are views of an embodiment of an engagement element that may be used with device drop foot device; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates use of the embodiment of drop foot device shown in  FIG. 1  in conjunction with a foot-receiving member that is configured to be worn without a shoe; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  shows use of the embodiment of drop foot brace depicted by  FIG. 1  in conjunction with a shoe with laces; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for using an embodiment of a drop foot brace in conjunction with a foot receiving member or a shoe. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a drop foot brace  100 . The drop foot brace  100  provides support for the forefoot of the user, and can be used to treat foot drop and other conditions where the forefoot needs additional support. 
         [0023]    The drop foot brace  100  may include a securing member  102  for securing the drop foot brace  100  to the leg of a user wearing the drop foot brace  100 . Because the securing member  102  is configured to be secured to the leg of a user, its construction and the materials from which it is made may be configured to enable the securing member  102  to engage a user&#39;s leg in a desired manner. Thus, the securing member  102  may include flexible materials (e.g., fabrics, polymeric films, cushioning materials, etc.), rigid or somewhat rigid materials (e.g., plastic or metallic structural elements, form-fitting pieces, etc.) or combinations of flexible and rigid or somewhat rigid materials. 
         [0024]    The securing member  102  includes an interior surface that faces inwardly toward the leg of the user when the securing member  102  is being worn, and an exterior surface that faces outwardly from the leg. In some embodiments, the securing member  102  may be configured to wrap entirely around the leg. In other embodiments, the securing member  102  may be configured to physically contact only portions of the leg, such as the front of the leg and the back of the leg. 
         [0025]    The embodiment of securing member  102  shown in  FIG. 1  is a cuff. Other types and embodiments of securing members  102  are also within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. In the embodiment depicted by  FIG. 1 , the securing member  102  comprises a band-like structure for surrounding a portion of the leg of the user of the drop foot brace  100 . The securing member  102  may be made from a flexible material such as neoprene. The securing member  102  may also include stiff or rigid components. The securing member  102  may also include foam material or other padding to make the securing member  102  more comfortable when worn by the user. The securing member  102  may be configured to be worn against the skin of the leg and/or over an item clothing (e.g., hosiery, a sock, a pants leg, etc.). 
         [0026]    The securing member  102  may include a center portion  106  that is configured to be positioned on the front of the leg when being worn (as shown in connection with  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 ), a lateral side  104 , and a medial side  108  opposite from the lateral side  104 . The securing member  102  may include fastener (e.g., a hook and loop fastener (such as VELCRO®), etc.) to secure the securing member  102  to itself and to the leg of the user. In one embodiment, the exterior surface of the medial side  108  carries a hook material  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . An interior surface of the lateral side  104  may carry loop material (not seen in  FIG. 1 ). The user, when securing the securing member  102 , may wrap the medial side  108  around the leg, and then wrap the lateral side  104  around the leg such that the loop material at least partially overlaps the hook material  110 . 
         [0027]    While  FIG. 1  illustrates a securing member  102  using hook and loop fasteners, other types of fasteners may be used instead of or in addition to hook and loop fasteners to secure the securing member  102  to a user&#39;s leg. The embodiment of securing member  102  shown in  FIG. 1  also includes an optional strap  112  that at least partially secures the securing member  102  to the leg of the user. The strap  112  may be adjustable. It may include a securing mechanism comprising a male clip component  116  and a female clip component  114 . The strap  112  may employ other forms of securing mechanisms, such as snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and others. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the strap  112  (or at least a central portion thereof) may comprise a chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber material (CSM), such as HYPALON®. However, other appropriate materials may also be used. Such a strap  112  may also include lateral portions that comprise nylon webbing that is sewn to the central portion of the strap  112 . 
         [0029]    In use, a user may position the securing member  102  around his or her leg, then secure the securing member  102  in place with the hook material  110  and the loop material. The strap  112  may then be adjusted to further tighten or secure the securing member  102  to the leg. The strap  112  may be pulled around the securing member  102  such that the strap  112  is disposed over (and around) a majority or all of the securing member  102 , and encircles the user&#39;s leg. The user may then adjust the tightness of the strap  112  to further secure the securing member  102  in position. 
         [0030]    While  FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a securing member  102  with a lateral side  104  and a medial side  108  that are not connected to each other, in other embodiments, the lateral side  104  and the medial side  108  join one another at a back of the securing member  102 , such that the securing member  102  forms a unitary band. In embodiments where the securing member  102  comprises a unitary band, elasticity in at least a portion of the unitary band may enable the securing member  102  to engage and remain in place on the leg of a user. For example, the securing member  102  may comprise a unitary band formed from a flexible neoprene material that the user slides over his or her foot and onto his or her leg. 
         [0031]    The securing member  102  may be configured to fit the lower leg of the user above the ankle and below the knee, a location that is often referred to as the “crus” or the “gaiter.” The center portion  106  of the securing member  102  may be situated proximally above the foot when being worn, as shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . In certain embodiments, the center portion  106  is configured to fit an individual&#39;s leg directly above the ankle. In such an embodiment, a bottom edge of the center portion  106  may include a recess  118  for accommodating the top of an indivdual&#39;s foot when the securing member  102  is secured to the individual&#39;s lower leg. The recess  118 , which comprise a concave curvature, may make the securing member  102  more comfortable for an individual to wear. In some embodiments, a recess  118  may enable use of the drop foot brace  100  with footwear (e.g., shoes, boots, etc.). 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, a securing member  102  may include a number of perforations  140  that extend therethrough (e.g., completely through the securing member  102 , from the interior surface to the exterior surface; partially through the securing member; etc.). The perforations  140  may impart the securing member  102  with breathability, which may make it more comfortable to wear (e.g., by minimizing perspiration that might otherwise be caused by the securing member  102 , etc.). In addition or as an alternative to perforations  140 , a securing member  102  may include apertures (e.g., openings in the lateral sides  104  and  108  of the securing member  102 , etc.). A wicking material on the interior surface of the securing member  102  may draw moisture away from the skin of in individual wearing the drop foot brace  100 . 
         [0033]    The securing member  102  may include one or more cut lines  142 . Each cut line  142  may be configured to enable an individual to adjust the length of the first lateral side  104  of the securing member  102  by providing a location at which the first lateral side  104  may be cut to remove unneeded, excess portions of the first lateral side  104  and, thus, to ensure that the securing member  102  is sized appropriately for the individual who will be wearing it. In various embodiments, each cut line  142  may be configured in a manner that will help prevent fraying or other undesirable wear of the first lateral side  104  of the securing member  102  as it is cut (e.g., each cut line  142  may comprise an elongated location that is molded or otherwise compressed, etc.) to an appropriate length. 
         [0034]    The drop foot brace  100  may also include a tensioning component that removably couples to a foot-receiving member (e.g., footwear, such as a shoe, a boot, etc.; etc.) worn by the user that is using the drop foot brace  100 . The tensioning component couples the securing member  102  of the drop foot brace  100  to the foot-receiving member. The term “couple,” as used herein, may refer to direct coupling with no intermediate components or indirect coupling. The tensioning component may directly couple to the foot-receiving member, or may indirectly couple to the foot-receiving member. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the tensioning component is an elongated element  120  having two support engagers  122   a  and  122   b  attached thereto. Other types of tensioning component may be used in alternative embodiments. 
         [0035]    The elongated element  120  and the two support engagers  122   a  and  122   b  may removably couple the securing member  102  to the foot-receiving member worn by the user. As used herein, the term “elongated element” refers to any of a variety of thin, flexible elements along which tensile forces may be applied and maintained to provide a desired amount of bracing force (e.g., a cord, a cable, a rope, a string, etc.). The elongated element  120  may comprise a single stranded element or it may include a plurality of filaments or strands that are associated with one another in a manner that imparts the elongated element  120  with strength and/or durability (e.g., it may comprise a plurality of twisted and/or woven strands, etc.). Any suitable material may be used to form the elongated element  120  (e.g., metal wire, polyethylene, an aramid, an acrylic, or any other suitable material). In embodiments where the elongated element  120  includes a plurality of filaments or strands, ends of the filaments or strands may be secured together in a manner that prevents fraying and, thus, dissociation of the filaments or strands from one another. 
         [0036]    The drop foot brace  100  may also include a tightening element  150  disposed on the exterior surface of the securing member  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the tightening element  150  includes a spool and a control for winding the elongated element  120  about the spool and, thus, to adjust tension in the elongated element  120 . Where the support engagers  122   b  and  122   a  are engage features of a foot-receiving member that are configured to receive the support engagers  122   a  and  122   b  (e.g., eyelets of footwear, etc.), the tightening element  150  may pull the top of the foot-receiving member and, thus, of a foot held by the foot-receiving member, towards the securing member  102 . In this manner, the drop foot brace  100  can provide support for an individual&#39;s forefoot and prevent the foot from dropping when the wearer lifts his or her foot while walking. In a specific embodiment, the tightening element  150  may comprise a tensioning element of the type made by BOA Technology, Inc. 
         [0037]    In use, the user may turn a control of the tightening element  150  that causes the tightening element  150  to wind the elongated element  120  about the spool. This action removes slack from the elongated element  120 , and introduces tension into the elongated element  120 . The tightening element  150  may include a uni-directional control that prevents unwinding of (and a reduction of tension in) the elongated element  120  unless the user actuates a separate control to enable unwinding of the elongated element  120 . Thus, the user can control the tightening element  150  to tailor the amount of tension in the elongated element  120  and, thus, to provide his or her foot with a desired amount of support. When the user wants to remove the drop foot brace  100  or otherwise release tension in the elongated element  120 , the user may use the tightening element  150  in a manner that causes the elongated element  120  to unwind or that otherwise releases the elongated element  120 . 
         [0038]    Use of a tightening element  150  that winds and unwinds to control the amount of tension in the elongated element  120  may be easy for an individual to use since it requires less dexterity than many other tensioning systems. Such a tightening element  150  may be particularly useful where it is used by an individual who has suffered a stroke or other condition that affects his or her dexterity. 
         [0039]    The elongated element  120  may have first and second ends that removably connect to the spool of the tightening element  150 , enabling the elongated element  120  to be removed from the drop foot brace  100  without removing the tightening element  150 . Removability of the elongated element  120  may be desirable for circumstances when replacement of the elongated element  120  is desired, such as when the elongated element  120  is worn or damaged. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  further illustrates guides that are used to position and orient the elongated element  120  relative to the drop foot brace  100  and the foot-receiving member. As used herein, the term “guide” refers to a structure that helps guide and/or position the elongated element  120 .  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of drop foot brace  100  that includes three guides, a lateral guide  160   a , a medial guide  160   b , and a center guide  160   c  disposed on the center section  106  of the securing member  102 . 
         [0041]    In the center guide  160   c  is disposed on the center portion  106  of the securing member  102 , at or adjacent to its lower edge, which is positioned closest to a user&#39;s foot when the drop foot brace  100  is worn by the user. The elongated element  120  passes through the center guide  160   c . In  FIG. 1 , one support engager  122   b  is on one side of the center guide  160   c , while the other support engager  122   a  is on the other, opposite side of the center guide  160   c . In the depicted embodiment, the center guide  160   c  comprises a loop of flexible material; however, other configurations of a center guide  160   c  may be used. 
         [0042]    The drop foot brace  100  may also include a lateral guide  160   a  disposed on the center portion  106  of the securing member  102  adjacent to the lateral side  104  of the center portion  106 . The lateral guide  160   a  may be situated above (at a higher elevation on the center portion  106  than) the center guide  160   c  and, in some embodiments, adjacent to an upper edge of the center portion  106  of the securing member  102 . The lateral guide  160   a  may comprise a reinforced loop of flexible material, as shown in  FIG. 1 , or it may have any other appropriate configuration. 
         [0043]    The drop foot brace  100  may include a similar medial guide  160   b  disposed on the center portion  106  adjacent to a medial side  108  of the center portion  106  and at an elevation above that of the center guide  160   c . The medial guide  160   b  may be disposed on an opposite side of the center portion  160  from the lateral guide  160   a  Like the lateral guide  160   a , the medial guide  160   b  may comprise a reinforced loop of flexible material, or it may have any other suitable configuration. 
         [0044]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , the elongated element  120  may extend from the tightening element  150  through the lateral guide  160   a , then through the support engager  122   b , which may be situated on the elongated element  120  between the lateral guide  160   a  and the center guide  160   c . The elongated element  120  may then extend through the center guide  160   c , into the support engager  122   a , through the medial guide  160   b  and back into the tightening element  150 . 
         [0045]    The lateral guide  160   a , medial guide  160   b , and center guide  160   c  control the position of the elongated element  120  as the user uses the tightening element  150  to adjust the tension in the elongated element  120 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the lateral guide  160   a , medial guide  160   b , and center guide  160   c  orient the elongated element  120  when it is under tension such that the elongated element  120 , when secured to a foot-receiving member by the support engagers  122   a  and  122   b , lifts the forefoot of the user to make it easier for a person with weakness in the foot who is wearing the drop foot brace  100  to walk. Other configurations and/or arrangements of guides for the elongated element  120  that differ from those shown in  FIG. 1  may also be used. 
         [0046]    Each of  FIGS. 2A-2C  shows a different view of an embodiment of a support engager  122  that may be used for the drop foot brace  100 . Of course, other embodiments of a support engager  122  that differ from the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C  may also be used.  FIG. 2A  shows a three-quarter view of the support engager  122 . The depicted support engager  122  includes an enlarged head  208  with a pair of divergently oriented flanges protruding from an upper end thereof and an aperture  206  extending laterally therethrough, from one side to the other. A vertically oriented elongated recess  210  (which, in the depicted embodiment, has a shape that resembles a teardrop) is located at each end of the aperture and extends into the side or lower surface of each flange. A neck  202  extends from the enlarged head  208  to a curved element, which forms a hook  204 . 
         [0047]    The hook  204  of the support engager  122  is configured to be coupled to a corresponding feature of the foot-receiving member (e.g., an eyelet, hook, loop, lace, etc., of a shoe or other footwear, etc.). Thus, when the hook  204  engages a corresponding feature of the foot receiving member, it (along with the remainder of the support engager  122  and the elongated element  120  and other features of the tensioning component) provides the necessary connection between the securing member  102  and the foot-receiving member of the drop foot brace  100 . The hook  204  may, as shown, terminate in a raised lip to impart it with a “J” shape. A raised lip may help reduce the likelihood that the support engager  122  slips and accidentally uncouples from the feature of the foot-receiving member that the hook  204  engages. 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, the support engage  122  may lack a curved hook  204 , as other configurations may suitably engage corresponding features of a foot-receiving member. 
         [0049]    The support engager  122  may be coupled to a foot-receiving member at a location adjacent to the distal end, or front, of a user&#39;s foot. Alternatively, the support engager  122  may engage another portion of a foot-receiving member, such as the sidewall of an item of footwear. The particular coupling options may vary based on the type of foot-receiving member and user preference. 
         [0050]    The aperture  206  through the enlarged head  208  of the support engager  122  may be configure to receive the elongated element  120  shown in  FIG. 1  and described in reference thereto. The aperture  206  may be sized and shaped to allow the support engager  122  to move along the length of the elongated element  120 . In other embodiments, the support engager  122  may be fixed to a certain position along the length of the elongated element  120 . 
         [0051]    The enlarged head  208  of the support engager  122  may also define a guide, which is also referred to herein as a “hook guide” to distinguish it from the lateral guide  106   a , the medial guide  106   b , and the center guide  106   c  on the securing member  102 , as discussed in reference to  FIG. 1 . In the depicted embodiment, the divergent flanges that protrude from the enlarged head  208  of the support engager  122 , the recesses  210  in the outer (or lower) surfaces of the flanges and the aperture  206  define the hook guide. The hook guide urges the elongated element  120  toward the securing member  102  of the drop foot brace  100  when the elongated element  120  is under sufficient tension. More specifically, the hook guide and, more specifically, the recesses  210  and the angles at which their respective flanges are oriented may control the angle at which the elongated element  120  is bent when the elongated element  120  is under sufficient tension. In some embodiments, the hook guide may provide a substantially semi-circular path for the elongated element  120 . In certain embodiments, the elongated element  120  may comprise a material that may be irreversibly deformed when subjected to tensile stress that exceeds a critical threshold. The hook guide may be configured to distribute the force applied to the elongated element  120  and increase or maximize the distance over which the elongated element  120  contacts the support engager  122 . In this manner, the hook guide may prevent the elongated element  120  from exceeding its elastic and, thus, prevent or reduce permanent deformation of or other damage to the elongated element  120 . Such a configuration of hook guide may also prevent bending of the elongated element  120  at sharp angles, which may reduce the possibility that the elongated element  120  will break or snap at any location where it contacts the support engager  122 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a drop foot brace  100  being worn by a user and connected to a foot-receiving member. The foot-receiving member shown in  FIG. 3  comprises a band  302  that wraps around at least a portion of the foot of the user. The band  302  includes a bottom surface (not seen) for receiving the plantar portion of the foot of the user, and an upper surface  320  that is configured to be positioned over the dorsal, or top, portion of the foot of the user, as seen in  FIG. 3 . The band  302  also includes a proximal opening  324  for receiving the user&#39;s foot, and a distal opening  322  through which the distal end  312  (e.g., toes, etc.) of the user&#39;s foot may protrude. In other embodiments, the band  302  may lack a distal opening  322  and, thus, it may be configured to cover the toes of the user. 
         [0053]    The bottom surface of the band  302  may be made from a different material than the upper surface  320  of the band  302 . For example, the bottom surface may include a durable tread to provide traction when the user is walking without any footwear or other protection on the band  302 , or that helps prevent an item of footwear (i.e., a sandal, etc.) worn over (or under) the band  302  from slipping off of the foot. 
         [0054]    The band  302  may be adjustable to accommodate a variety of different sizes of feet. As an example, the upper surface  320  of the band  302  may be configured to adjust to the size of a foot. Without limitation, the upper surface  320  of such a band  302  may a length adjustable element (e.g., a strap, etc.). The band  302  may be configured to fit over the bare foot of the user, or over a footwear item of the user; for example, the band  302  may fit over a flip-flop, a sandal, or other item of footwear worn on the foot of the user. Such an embodiment may be desirable where the footwear does not include lace guides that can be engaged by the support engagers  122   a  and  122   b . In certain embodiments, the band  302  may be placed on the foot first, then the footwear item may be positioned over the band  302 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0055]    Some embodiments of band  302  may include a strap  304  that removably secures the bottom surface to the upper surface  320 . The strap  304  may partially close the distal opening  322  to help secure the band  302  to the foot of the user. In the embodiment shown, the strap  302  is configured and positioned to pass between the hallux (or big toe) and the second toe of the user. 
         [0056]    The band  302  may include one or more connection points or other features to which the support engagers  122   a  and  122   b  (or other variety of tensioning component) may connect. The connection points may be eyelets, lace guides, hooks, loops, or any other suitable connection point. The connection points may be positioned on opposite sides of the band  302 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a drop foot brace  100  being worn by a user and connected to an item of footwear  402 . The footwear  402  may be a shoe, a boot, or any other type of footwear. The footwear  402  may have a high-top configuration, a mid-top configuration, or other. While the depicted embodiment shows the drop foot brace  100  as being separate from the footwear  402 , in some embodiments, the drop foot brace  100  may be integral with the footwear  402 . For example, the tightening element  150  may be built into the tongue  410  or another portion of the footwear  402  (e.g., in embodiments where the footwear  402  has a sufficiently high top, etc.). In such an embodiment, the securing member  102  may be defined by sides  404  and  406  of an upper of the footwear  402  and the tongue of the footwear  402 . 
         [0058]    In addition to sides  404  and  406 , the upper of the footwear  402  may include a toe portion  408 , an ankle portion  412  and a lacing area  420  between the sides  404  and  406 . Lace guides  422  are positioned on opposite sides of the lacing area  420 . The lace guides  422  may be eyelets, hooks, loops, or any other variety of lace guide  422 . The footwear  402  includes a lace or other securing element that passes over the lacing area  420  and through the lace guides  422 . The lace may be tightened to secure the footwear  402  to the foot of a user. 
         [0059]    The user may attach the securing member  102  to the leg just above the footwear  402 . The support engagers  122   a  and  122   b  may be sized to removably couple to the lace guides  422  of the footwear  402 . The first support engager  122   a  may couple to a lace guide  422  on one side of the lacing area  420  and the second support engager  122   b  may couple to a lace guide  422  on the opposite side of the lacing area  420 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The user may couple the support engagers  122   a  and  122   b  to any lace guide  422  between the ankle portion  412  and the toe portion  408  of the footwear. The user may choose the lace guides  422  to which the support engagers  122   a  and  122   b  connect based on one or more of the footwear  402 , the desired level of comfort, the desired amount of support, or any other criteria. While  FIG. 4  shows support engagers  122   a  and  122   b  connecting to lace guides  422 , the support engagers  122   a  and  122   b  may connect to any suitable feature of the footwear  402 . 
         [0060]    In another embodiment, the drop foot brace  100  may not use support engagers  122  as part of the tensioning component; for example, in one embodiment, the drop foot brace  100  may include a strap that connects to the elongated element  120 . The strap may fit under the sole of the footwear  402  at the toe portion  408  of the footwear  402 . In another embodiment, the tensioning component includes a toe cap that fits over at least part of the toe portion  408  of the footwear  402 . The toe cap may connect to the elongated element  120  and thus allow the user to tension the elongated element  120  using the tightening element  150  such that the foot is properly supported. 
         [0061]      FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of a method  500  for using a drop foot brace  100  (see  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 ). The method  500  may commence at reference  502  with attaching a securing member of a drop foot brace  100  to a leg of an individual. The drop foot brace  100  may be attached to the leg above the ankle and below the knee such that the tightening element  150  of the drop foot brace  100  is outwardly disposed on the surface of the securing member  102 . 
         [0062]    The method  500  may also involve, at reference  504 , inserting the foot of the individual into a foot-receiving member. The foot-receiving member may be an item of footwear  402  ( FIG. 4 ), a band  302  ( FIG. 3 ), or other suitable foot-receiving member. The method  500  may further involve, at reference  506 , connecting a tensioning component of the drop foot brace  100  to the foot-receiving member. The method may additionally involve connecting the tensioning component (e.g., the elongated element  102 ) to a tightening element  150  of the drop foot brace  100 , the lateral, medial, and center guides  160   a - c , and the support engagers  122   a  and  122   b.    
         [0063]    The method  500 , at reference  508 , may include tightening the elongated element  120 . As a non-limiting example, a tightening element  150  may be used in a manner that causes the tensioning component to wind around a spool of the tightening element  150 , etc.). The user may actuate the control by turning the control in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. By winding the elongated element  120  around the spool, the user removes the slack from the connection between the tightening element  150  and the foot-receiving member. 
         [0064]    The method  500  may also involve, at reference  510 , releasing the control when the elongated element  120  is tensioned and maintains a desired angle (e.g., an approximately ninety-degree angle, etc.) between the foot and the leg. As a result, the foot of the user is provided with additional support. The user may then walk more comfortably despite issues with weakness in the foot. 
         [0065]    The method  500  may involve other elements in addition to, or instead of, those shown in  FIG. 5 . For example, where the foot-receiving member is an item of footwear  402  ( FIG. 4 ) with a plurality of lace guides and the tensioning component includes support engagers  122   a  and  122   b , connecting the tensioning component of the drop foot brace  100  to the foot-receiving member may involve connecting the support engagers  122   a  and  122   b  to at least two lace guides on opposing lateral sides of the footwear  402 . Where the foot-receiving member is a band  302  ( FIG. 3 ) that is configured to wrap around at least a portion of the foot of the user and the tensioning component includes support engagers, connecting the tensioning component may involve connecting the support engagers to opposing lateral sides of the band  302 . Where the securing member  102  includes a cuff, attaching the securing member  102  to a user&#39;s leg may involve securing the cuff around the leg of the individual at the crus. Other variations depending on the implementation are also within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0066]    Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Similarly, other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of any of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. The scope of each claim is, therefore, indicated and limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions and modifications to the disclosed subject matter that fall within the meaning and scope of any of the claims are to be embraced thereby. No element recited by any of the claims is intended to be a means-plus-function limitation unless the phrase “means for” is specifically used in that claim.