Orthotic device

摘要

Disclosed is an improved device for supporting the human foot in a more anatomically neutral, more correct position while the foot is in a weight bearing position both in stance and/or while functioning throughout gait in walking, running, or skiing. The present invention is particularly suited to high arched as well as flat feet. The device supports the foot from the metatarsal head area of the foot to the heel. The device includes a wedge that starts low in the heel area and very gradually increases towards the forefoot area so that it is highest in the forefoot area under the second metatarsal head. The wedge drops off abruptly under the first metatarsal head to a level that forms a neutral plane or valgus (lateral) wedge or valgus relationship of a plane from the first metatarsal head to the fifth metatarsal head with the rearfoot. In biomechanical terms, the device is designed to provide a rearfoot varus wedge of from 2 to 7 degrees. This varus wedge is started at the very back of the heel and is gradually increased towards the forefoot area so that there is a maximum amunt of varus wedging under the second metatarsal head which includes a rearfoot wedging and an additional forefoot wedge of from 1 to 10 degrees, and preferably from 3 to 10 degrees. There is no buildup to create a wedging under the first metatarsal head greater than the amount of the rearfoot wedge, thus providing for a neutral or valgus (lateral) wedge from the first to the fifth metatarsal heads.