Device for mitigating plantar fasciitis

Abstract

A device includes a truss structure, an upper anchor, and an actuator. The upper anchor is proximally located from the truss structure and the actuator couples a posterior portion of the truss structure to a posterior portion of the upper anchor. The actuator is designed to provide assistive force to urge heel lift during ambulation such that the tension in the plantar fascia is reduced.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A device comprising:
 a truss structure comprising a posterior portion, a lateral portion, a medial portion, a lateral end, and a medial end, wherein the truss structure receives a foot of a user so that the posterior portion is adjacent to a heel of the foot;   an upper anchor spaced from the truss structure; and   an actuator coupling the posterior portion of the truss structure to a posterior portion of the upper anchor;   wherein a force is applied through the actuator to the posterior portion of the truss structure.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the truss structure further comprises at least one stabilizing element that aids the truss structure in maintaining operability with a user's shoe during ambulation. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the truss structure further comprises at least one securing mechanism that extends from the lateral portion of the truss structure to the medial portion of the truss structure, wherein the securing mechanism secures the truss structure to a user's shoe. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the securing mechanism comprises at least one dorsal strap that extends dorsally from the lateral portion of the truss structure to the medial portion of the truss structure, and at least one ventral strap that extends ventrally from the lateral portion of the truss structure to the medial portion of the truss structure. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the lateral end of the truss structure aligns with a lateral metatarsophalangeal joint of a user's foot, and wherein the medial end of the truss structure aligns with a medial metatarsophalangeal joint of a user's foot. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the truss structure is integrated within a user's shoe. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the truss structure is inserted into a user's shoe. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the posterior portion of the truss structure comprises a heel support. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the upper anchor comprises a connector element to secure the upper anchor to the actuator. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the upper anchor is configured to fit around a portion of a user's leg. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the actuator provides tension to urge heel lift during ambulation. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the actuator comprises a non-elastic material. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the actuator comprises an elastic material. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the actuator comprises an electromechanical actuator. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the truss structure allows mobility of the metatarsophalangeal joint during ambulation. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the actuator further comprises a tension sensor enabled to determine the amount of tension provided by the actuator on the truss structure. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the actuator further includes a tension adjustment mechanism. 
     
     
         18 . A method of mitigating plantar fasciitis comprising:
 providing a device that reduces tension in a plantar fascia during ambulation comprising,
 a truss structure comprising a posterior portion, a lateral portion, a medial portion, a lateral end, and a medial end; 
 an upper anchor proximally located from the truss structure; and 
 an actuator coupling the posterior portion of the truss structure to a posterior portion of the upper anchor; 
   associating the truss structure with a user's shoe so that the posterior portion is secured to a heel of the user's shoe;   inserting a user's foot into the shoe;   securing the upper anchor to a user's leg; and   applying a force to the posterior portion of the truss structure through the actuator.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the actuator urges heel lift during ambulation. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the upper anchor is configured to fit around a portion of a user's leg. 
     
     
         21 . A device comprising:
 an upper anchor adapted to be secured to a user's leg;   an attachment point adapted to be secured adjacent to a rearmost portion of a user's heel; and   an actuator coupling the upper anchor to the attachment point, wherein the actuator pulls the attachment point towards the upper anchor.   
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 21  wherein the attachment point is integrated into a shoe. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 21  wherein the attachment point is a portion of a truss structure adapted to be secured to a shoe. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 21  wherein the upper anchor is a brace configured to fit around a user's knee.