Orthotic device for shoes

Abstract

An orthotic device (10) for use with heeled, dress, flat or sport shoes, the device (10) comprising a body (25), a medial arch support (40) defined by a projection extending upwardly away from the body (25); and a valgus wedge (20) defined by a projection located at a lateral rear foot portion and/or a lateral forefoot portion of the body (25), the valgus wedge (20) being adapted to evert the foot and concentrate the support of the device (10) laterally.

The claims defining the invention are as follows: 
     
         1 . An orthotic device for use with a heeled, dress, flat or sport shoe, the device comprising:
 a body;   a medial arch support defined by a projection extending upwardly away from the body; and   a valgus wedge defined by a projection located at a lateral rear foot portion and/or a lateral midfoot portion and/or lateral forefoot portion of the body, the valgus wedge being adapted to evert the foot and concentrate the support of the device laterally.   
     
     
         2 . The orthotic device of  claim 1 , wherein the valgus wedge extends along the orthotic device from a rear foot portion, a midfoot portion through to a forefoot portion. 
     
     
         3 . The orthotic device of either of  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the valgus wedge measures up to 20 mm vertical height on the lateral side of the device relative to the body. 
     
     
         4 . The orthotic device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valgus wedge is an internally positioned lateral skive. 
     
     
         5 . The orthotic device of any one of  claims 1  to  3 , wherein the valgus wedge is an external valgus post. 
     
     
         6 . The orthotic device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lateral arch support defined by a projection extending away from the body, the lateral arch support being highest at a lateral portion of the device, and adapted to be located generally under a cuboid bone of a user's foot. 
     
     
         7 . The orthotic device of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a metatarsal support. 
     
     
         8 . The orthotic device of any one of the proceeding claims further comprising a medial arch contour of 20 mm+/−19 mm. 
     
     
         9 . The orthotic device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a curved channel is located between the medial arch support and a medial edge of the valgus wedge. 
     
     
         10 . A method of fitting an orthotic device to a shoe, the method including the step of:
 sizing the orthotic device such that a length of a body of the orthotic device generally corresponds with a length of a user's foot or the proximal portion of the users foot;   wherein the orthotic device including a valgus wedge located at a rear foot portion and/or a forefoot portion of the body portion, the valgus wedge being adapted to provide a concentration of support under the lateral foot to reduce excessive supination.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further including the step of locating a lateral arch support which extends upwardly away from the body portion such that a high point of the lateral arch support is generally positioned beneath a cuboid bone of a user's foot. 
     
     
         12 . The method of any one of  claim 10  or  11 , wherein the orthotic device is manufactured within the shoe as part of the shank or sock liner design.