Anti-valgus Heal Stabilizer

Abstract

A device and method of use of the device which supports a patient’s medial tubercle and thus resisting heel bone rotation. It features a generally wedge shape component configured to be added on top of a surface at a heal region of a shoe. The wedge shape component has a height ranging from a maximum on an inner, medial heel portion and tapers to become flush with the surface at the midline of the heal region of the shoe.

Claims

1. An anti valgus heel stabilizer, useful for supporting a patient’s medial tubercle and thus resisting heel bone rotation, comprising: a generally wedge shape component configured to be added on top of a surface at a heal region of a shoe, the wedge shape component has a height ranging from a maximum on an inner, medial heel portion and tapers to become flush with the surface at the midline of the heal region of the shoe.

2. The anti valgus heel stabilizer as defined in claim 1, further comprising the stabilizer added to the shoe as part of a shoe insert.

3. The anti valgus heel stabilizer as defined in claim 1, further comprising the stabilizer added to the shoe during shoe manufacture.

4. The anti valgus heel stabilizer as defined in claim 1 wherein the wedge shape maximum height further comprises a range from 1 mm to 5 mm.

5. The anti valgus heel stabilizer as defined in claim 1 wherein the sedge shape maximum height further comprises a range from 5 mm to 10 mm.

6. The anti valgus heel stabilizer as defined in claim 1 wherein the sedge shape maximum height further comprises a range from 10 mm to 25 mm.

7. A method of heel stabilization comprising the use of an anti valgus heel stabilizer of claim 1.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates the bones of the foot with the three bones labeled (N = Navicular; T = Talus; C = Calcaneus) that are most relevant here.

[0015] FIG. 2A is a left foot top view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 2B is a left foot bottom view.

[0017] FIG. 2C is a right foot side view.

[0018] FIG. 2D is a right foot front view.

[0019] FIG. 2E is a right foot rear view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In anatomic terms the invention is an Anti Valgus Heel Stabilizer (AVHS) 100 as shown in FIG. 2A. The wedged shape component 120 provides the primary corrective force. As shown in FIG. 2A, the wedge 120 is added to the inner top portion of the heel cup area of a shoe or shoe insert. The wedge is thicker on the inner, medial portion of the heel 140, 160 and thinner toward the center of the heel 180. The wedge begins at the back of the heel up area and extends toward the front-end of the heel. There are a wide range of wedge shape angles, depending on the amount of inner heel stabilizing required. In one preferred embodiment a minimum slope is employed. The thicker portion is about 1 mm to 5 mm and tapers down to zero toward the center of the heal.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment the thicker portion is about 5 mm to 10 mm and tapers down to zero toward the center of the heal.

[0022] In still another preferred embodiment, the thicker portion is about 10 to 25 mm and tapers down to zero toward the center of the heal.

[0023] In each case this wedge imparts an inward force to the heal on its medial side.

[0024] There are two anatomic landmarks on the bottom of the heel, medial and lateral plantar tubercles. These bony projections serve as attachment points to muscles and fascia. The inner medial tubercle is much larger than the lateral tubercle. There is a reason for the difference in size between the two. The smaller lateral tubercle allows for a slight inversion of the heel at heel strike. As the rest of the foot drops to the weightbearing surface the larger inner tubercle contacts the ground helping to redirect the weightbearing forces to the front of the foot. RTTJD alters the direction of that force causing a rotation of the back of the heel.

[0025] The function of the AVHS is to provide angular support to the medial tubercle to resist heel bone rotation. The AVHS provides support for the back area of the sinus tarsi unlike the arch support 110 that supports the area in front of the sinus tarsi. The AVHS is meant as an addition to the arch support so that there would be support from the inner heel to the end of the long first metatarsal bone. The addition of the AVHS would provide proactive measure because it is altering heel mechanics prior to the ankle bone displacement rather than acting after the ankle bone has already displaced. The AVHS is function before the excessive forces are acting on the arch bone. The combination of both will provide beneficiaries with a dual form of treatment.