Knee and ankle pain management nighttime sock

Abstract

A thigh-high sock for managing knee and ankle pain during sleep includes a sock body extending from a foot area to an upper thigh area. A first stuffing-filled pocket may be positioned near a knee area, located behind and on an inner leg side. A second stuffing-filled pocket may be positioned near an ankle area, located on a front and inner leg side. Rubber slip-strips may be positioned on an inner surface to maintain positioning during sleep movements. The pockets may include zippered closures for stuffing adjustment. The sock may accommodate various sleep positions while providing targeted cushioning support. A method includes adjusting stuffing materials and wearing the sock during sleep. A system may include left and right socks with distinct configurations for comprehensive lower extremity pain management during sleep periods.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A thigh-high sock for managing knee and ankle pain during sleep, comprising:
 a sock body extending from a foot area to an upper thigh area;   a first stuffing-filled pocket positioned near a knee area of the sock body, the first pocket being located behind and on an inner leg side of the knee area;   a second stuffing-filled pocket positioned near an ankle area of the sock body, the second pocket being located on a front and inner leg side of the ankle area; and   one or more rubber slip-strips positioned on an inner surface of the sock body near a top of the thigh area and above the ankle area.   
     
     
         2 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the sock body comprises a loose-knit construction configured to promote air circulation during extended wear periods. 
     
     
         3 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second stuffing-filled pockets each include a zippered closure configured to provide access for adjusting stuffing materials. 
     
     
         4 . A method of managing knee and ankle pain during sleep, comprising:
 providing a thigh-high sock having a first stuffing-filled pocket positioned near a knee area and a second stuffing-filled pocket positioned near an ankle area;   adjusting an amount of stuffing material in at least one of the first and second pockets according to individual comfort preferences; and   wearing the sock during a sleep period in at least one of a stomach position, a side position, and a back position.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising adjusting the stuffing material to accommodate different sleep positions during a single sleep period. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the stuffing material comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of loose cotton-like filler and memory foam. 
     
     
         7 . A system for managing knee and ankle pain during sleep, comprising:
 a left thigh-high sock having a first stuffing-filled pocket positioned near a knee area and a second stuffing-filled pocket positioned near an ankle area;   a right thigh-high sock having a first stuffing-filled pocket positioned near a knee area and a second stuffing-filled pocket positioned near an ankle area; and   wherein each sock includes one or more rubber slip-strips positioned on an inner surface to maintain positioning during sleep movements.   
     
     
         8 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more rubber slip-strips contain cooling gel configured to provide temperature regulation during extended wear. 
     
     
         9 . The sock of  claim 1 , further comprising a Plantar Fasciitis splint strap configured to provide additional foot and ankle support. 
     
     
         10 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the sock body has a compression level intermediate between a traditional compression sock and a loose-fitting sock. 
     
     
         11 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the sock body includes specific fabric weaving and stitching patterns configured to provide functional support during use. 
     
     
         12 . The sock of  claim 11 , wherein the stitching patterns in the knee area are configured to add resistance to leg straightening movements. 
     
     
         13 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein stuffing materials in the first and second pockets are independently adjustable to provide customized support levels. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the sock is configured to accommodate natural sleep movements while maintaining consistent support to knee and ankle areas. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising using the sock to manage pain associated with Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the left and right socks have distinct configurations to accommodate anatomical differences between legs. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising instructions for adjusting stuffing materials in the first and second pockets of each sock. 
     
     
         18 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the first pocket is configured to provide cushioning support during knee flexion and extension movements. 
     
     
         19 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the second pocket is configured to prevent direct bone-to-bone contact during side sleeping positions. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the system is configured to eliminate the need for multiple separate support devices during sleep periods.