Energy return orthotic systems

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for biomechanical analysis of a gait cycle of a user, including a multi-layered structure including a base layer, a mid-layer, and an upper layer, at least one sensor integrated with the orthotic system capable of detecting movement and pressure changes during the gait cycle of the user, and a processing unit in communication with the at least one sensor configured to receive and analyze sensor data, compare the analyzed sensor data against a plurality of foot pathologies, and provide visual feedback for display on a display screen based on the comparison to inform adjustments for optimizing foot alignment and motion, wherein the orthotic system includes one or more adjustment features to provide manual adjustment to the foot during the gait cycle for therapeutic corrections, thereby enhancing mobility and reducing discomfort for the user.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A multi-layer orthotic system to provide orthotic support, comprising:
 a base layer having a distal end and a proximal heel end;   an upper layer above and coupled to the base layer, the upper layer having:
 a rear portion configured as a rear spring area to provide suspension to a heel of a foot to decelerate heel strike during a gait cycle; and 
 an arch portion to support an arch area of the foot, 
   wherein one of the base layer or the upper layer comprises a front portion to support a forefoot or ball of the foot,   wherein the arch and rear portions of the upper layer are suspended over the base layer to create a rear spring section and a mid-spring section.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the multi-layer orthotic system is a bi-layer orthotic system. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the multi-layer orthotic system is a tri-layer orthotic system additionally including a top layer above and coupled to the upper layer. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , the upper layer is integrally formed with the base layer and constructed from a single layer or sheet of material. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the single layer or sheet of material comprises carbon fiber, carbon composites, fiberglass, polypropylene, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the orthotic is configured to be inserted into footwear and extend the full length of the footwear. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the orthotic is configured to stop under the base of the toes. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising a dynamic shim positioned between the upper layer and the base layer. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the dynamic shim is configured to deflect the upper layer during compression in a stance phase of a gait cycle of a patient, thereby creating a new alignment of the foot and redirecting motion during compression, and to decompress during a swing phase or a transition to a swing phase, providing variable support to the foot. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the dynamic shim is positioned to create an angle of correction between the upper layer and the base layer. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the upper layer is fixedly coupled to the base layer at an attachment point. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the attachment point extends across the width of the orthotic. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the rear spring area is configured to be suspended above the base layer at a therapeutic elevation angle to create travel for smooth shock absorption and reduction of jarring at heel strike. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the arch portion is configured to be deformed upwardly or downwardly to treat a high arch or a flat arch of an individual. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the orthotic is configured to treat plantar fasciitis by off-loading direct pressure on arch support structures. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the orthotic is configured to treat diabetic neuropathic foot disease by providing dynamic offloading of specific areas of the foot. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the upper layer comprises the front portion to support the forefoot or ball of the foot. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the base layer comprises the front portion to support the forefoot or ball of the foot. 
     
     
         20 . A method of providing orthotic support, comprising:
 coupling an upper layer to a base layer, the base layer having a distal end and a proximal heel end and the upper layer positioned above the base layer;   suspending arch and rear portions of the upper layer over the base layer to create a rear spring section and a mid-spring section to decelerate heel strike during a gait cycle; and   supporting a forefoot or ball of the foot using a front portion of one of the base layer or the upper layer.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , comprising:
 providing variable support to the foot during the gait cycle using a dynamic shim positioned between the upper layer and the base layer, including deflecting the upper layer during compression in a stance phase of a gait cycle of a patient, creating a new alignment of the foot and redirecting motion during compression.