Orthtic device and method for providing static and dynamic stability to the medial arch and subtalar bone complex

Abstract

Orthotic devices are configured to provide static and dynamic stability to the medial arch and subtalar bone complex. The orthotic device includes a resilient arch support configured to collapse under the weight of a user. Collapsing causes an operably coupled vertical support flange to pivotally urge the vertical support flange against corresponding medial areas of the foot. A method entails translating a downward force exerted by a foot during walking motion into pivotal motion of the vertical support flange. Pivotal motion urges the flange against corresponding areas of the foot to providing a stabilizing force. As the downward force is relieved, the stabilizing force is relieved and the medial support flange returns to its original position.

1 . An orthotic device for a foot configured to provide static and dynamic stability, said device comprising:
 a base;   a dynamic vertical support flange coupled to said base and configured to controllably pivot and apply pressure against corresponding medial areas of the foot; and   and a means for controllably causing said dynamic vertical support flange to pivot.   
   
   
       2 . An orthotic device according to  claim 1 , said means for controllably causing said dynamic vertical support flange to pivot comprising a cantilever arch support pivotally coupled to said base and configured to pivot downwardly upon application of a downward force, said dynamic vertical support flange being operably coupled to said cantilever arch support and configured to pivot and apply pressure against corresponding medial areas of the foot when said cantilever arch support pivots downwardly. 
   
   
       3 . An orthotic device according to  claim 1 , said dynamic vertical support flange coupled to said cantilever arch support being configured to pivot and apply pressure against a medial arch and subtalar bone complex of the foot. 
   
   
       4 . An orthotic device according to  claim 1 , said dynamic vertical support flange including a support section configured to apply pressure to a portion of a foot from the group consisting of medial cuneiform, navicular and talar bone structures. 
   
   
       5 . An orthotic device according to  claim 2 , said cantilever arch support including an arch support pad configured to cushion an arch of the foot. 
   
   
       6 . An orthotic device according to  claim 2 , said cantilever arch support including a removably mounted arch support pad. 
   
   
       7 . An orthotic device according to  claim 2 , said cantilever arch support including an arch support pad and a recess in said cantilever arch support and coextensive with said arch support pad and configured to receive said arch support pad. 
   
   
       8 . An orthotic device according to  claim 2 , said cantilever arch support being arcuate and resilient. 
   
   
       9 . An orthotic device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a heel cup attached to said base, said heel cup being configured to support a heel of the foot. 
   
   
       10 . An orthotic device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a heel cup releasably attached to said base, said heel cup being configured to support a heel of the foot. 
   
   
       11 . An orthotic device according to  claim 1 , further comprising an integral heel cup tongue protruding rearwardly from the base, and a heel cup having a cavity configured to receive and engage the heel cup tongue. 
   
   
       12 . An orthotic device according to  claim 1 , further comprising an integral heel cup tongue protruding rearwardly from the base, said heel cup tongue including a locking protuberance, and a heel cup having a cavity configured to receive and engage the heel cup tongue, said heel cup including means for engaging said locking protuberance. 
   
   
       13 . An orthotic device according to  claim 1 , further comprising an integral heel cup tongue protruding rearwardly from the base, said heel cup tongue including a locking protuberance, and a removable heel cup having a cavity configured to receive and engage the heel cup tongue, said heel cup including means for releasably engaging said locking protuberance. 
   
   
       14 . An orthotic device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a removable sizing heel cup attached to said base, said heel cup being sized to cause the orthotic to fit the foot. 
   
   
       15 . An orthotic device according to  claim 1 , said base including at least one female receptacle, and said orthotic device further comprising a heel cup including at least one male prong configured to engage the at least one female receptacle and operably couple said heel cup to said base. 
   
   
       16 . An orthotic device according to  claim 1 , said base including at least one female receptacle, and said orthotic device further comprising an integral heel cup tongue protruding rearwardly from the base, said heel cup tongue including a locking protuberance, and a removable heel cup having a cavity configured to receive and engage the heel cup tongue, said heel cup including means for releasably engaging said locking protuberance, and said base including at least one female receptacle, and said heel cup including at least one male prong configured to engage the at least one female receptacle and operably couple said heel cup to said base. 
   
   
       17 . An integrally molded orthotic device for a foot configured to provide static and dynamic stability, said device comprising:
 a base;   a dynamic vertical support flange coupled to said base and configured to controllably pivot and apply pressure against corresponding medial areas of the foot; and   a cantilever arch support pivotally coupled to said base and configured to pivot downwardly upon application of a downward force, said dynamic vertical support flange being operably coupled to said cantilever arch support and configured to pivot and apply pressure against corresponding medial areas of the foot when said cantilever arch support pivots downwardly.   
   
   
       18 . An integrally molded orthotic device according to  claim 17 , further comprising means for attaching an arch support pad configured to cushion an arch of the foot. 
   
   
       19 . An integrally molded orthotic device according to  claim 17 , further comprising means for attaching a heel cup configured to cushion a heel of the foot. 
   
   
       20 . A method of stabilizing a medial arch and subtalar bone complex, said method comprising:
 translating a downward force exerted by a foot during walking motion into pivotal motion of a medial support flange;   urging the medial support flange against corresponding areas of the foot to provide a stabilizing force;   relieving the downward force; and   relieving the stabilizing force as the downward force is relieved.