| 摘要 |
The present invention relates to an apparatus for mobilizing the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint in a toe, especially after prolonged immobilization. It includes a member having a first curved surface for facilitating the rolling of the member and a second surface for receiving the plantar portion of a human foot, including a portion of the ball of the foot and at least one toe. The apparatus further includes a retainer for securing a single toe to the member. In use, a patient places a foot on the second surface of the member with the ball of the foot and at least a to-be-treated toe contacting the second curved surface. Then, using the retainer, the single to-be-treated and mobilized toe is secured to the member. Thereafter, the patient may impose either plantarflexion or dorsiflexion motion to the single to-be-treated toe by rolling the member either forward or backward. If the member is rolled forward, the single to-be-treated toe is pulled downward, thereby imparting a plantarflexion motion to the MTP joint of that toe. If the member is rolled backward, the single to-be-treated toe is pushed upward, thereby imparting a dorsiflexion to the MTP joint of that toe. Thus, by simply rolling the member, the patient mobilizes the MTP joint of a single to-be-treated toe, which aids in the healing of the MTP joint after prolonged immobilization.
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