Method and apparatus for treating plantar fasciitis

Abstract

A device and method for treating and preventing plantar fasciitis includes a wedge adapted to be placed under the big toe. The wedge has a top surface for supporting the big toe, a first support surface separated from the top surface by a first angle, and a second support separated from the top surface by a second angle. The first and second support surfaces are perpendicular with each other so that one rests on the floor and the other serves as a backstop. The wedge has a first position for inclining the top surface upwardly at the first angle to provide moderate stretching of the plantar fascia, and a second position for inclining the top surface upwardly at the second angle to provide maximum stretching. The first angle is within a range of 20 to 25 degrees, and the second angle is within a range of 65 to 70 degrees.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to orthotic devices and methods, and in particular, to orthotic devices and methods for treating and preventing plantar fasciitis.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]The plantar fascia is a highly elastic connective tissue located at the bottom of the human foot. The plantar fascia is attached at the front of the foot to the metatarsophalangeal joints and at the rear of the foot to the calcaneal (heel bone). The plantar fascia functions like a spring to absorb the shock of forces developed during walking and running.[0005]Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem experienced by athletes and others who engage in high impact activities that overstress the plantar fascia. For example, runners often experience plantar fasciitis. Overstress causes a loss of the natural elasticity in the plantar fascia tissue. The physical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include tenderness and s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]An object of the present invention is to provide an orthotic apparatus and method for effectively treating and preventing plantar fasciitis.

[0011]A further object of the present invention is to provide a plantar fasciitis treatment apparatus and method that does not require footwear modification or use of an insert during walking or running activities.

[0012]A further object of the present invention is to provide a plantar fasciitis treatment apparatus that is compact, portable, easy to use, and provides multiple stretching positions to accommodate different foot conditions.

[0013]To accomplish these and other objects of the present invention, the Applicant has developed a device and method for treating and preventing plantar fasciitis that uses a wedge adapted to be placed under the big toe. The wedge has a top surface for supporting the big toe, a first support surface separated from the top surface by a first angle, and a second support separated from the top surface by a second angle. The first and second support surfaces are perpendicular with each other so that one rests on the floor and the other serves as a backstop for engaging a stationary object. The wedge has a first treatment position for inclining the top surface upwardly at the first angle to provide moderate stretching of the plantar fascia, and a second treatment position for inclining the top surface upwardly at the second angle to provide maximum stretching of the plantar fascia. The first angle is preferably within a range of 20 to 25 degrees, and the second angle is within a range of 65 to 70 degrees.

[0014]According to one aspect of the invention, a device for treating and preventing plantar fasciitis is provided, comprising: a wedge adapted to be placed under the phalanges of a user's big toe, the wedge having a top surface adapted to support the big toe, a first support surface separated from the top surface by a first angle, and a second support surface separated from the top surface by a second angle, the second angle being different from the first angle; the wedge having a first position with the first support surface facing downwardly for inclining the top surface upwardly at the first angle to provide moderate stretching of the plantar fascia; and the wedge having a second position with the second support surface facing downwardly for inclining the top surface upwardly at the second angle to provide maximum stretching of the plantar fascia.

[0016]According to another aspect of the invention, a method of treating and preventing plantar fasciitis is provided, comprising: providing a wedge having a top surface, a first support surface separated from the top surface by a first angle, and a second support surface separated from the top surface by a second angle, the second support surface being perpendicular to the first support surface; placing the wedge on a floor with the first support surface facing downwardly and resting on the floor and the second support surface engaging a stationary object; placing a user's big toe against the top surface while lifting the user's foot slightly above the floor; lowering the user's foot while sliding the big toe down the top surface of the wedge until the foot is resting on the floor from about the ball of the foot back to the heel; and holding the foot in position with the big toe inclined by the wedge for a period of time sufficient to stretch the plantar fascia and relieve or prevent plantar fasciitis.

Problems solved by technology

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem experienced by athletes and others who engage in high impact activities that overstress the plantar fascia.

Overstress causes a loss of the natural elasticity in the plantar fascia tissue.

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