SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention or metatarsal lock, is an orthotic apparatus positioned on the top of the forefoot that aligns and locks the first metatarsal in a plantarflexed position. A compressible orthotic pad is positioned on the forefoot directly over the first metatarsal. When pressure is applied to the orthotic, it keeps the distal portion of the arch in place, forces the first metatarsal down, while simultaneously unlocking the first metatarsal phalangeal joint and eliminating functional hallux limitus.
Pressure may be applied to the metatarsal lock by installing the apparatus on the wearer's foot and putting on a proper fitting shoe. The inside top surface of the shoe toebox will engage the top portion of the compressible pad and force the first metatarsal down into a plantarflexed position. The downward force may also be accomplished using a stretchable or elastic material band which encompasses the forefoot, or an adjustable band that fits snugly over the forefoot.
In one embodiment, the compressible metatarsal lock pad can be formed using a material such as neoprene, silicone, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), heat sensitive visco-elastic foam, foam rubber, cotton, wool felt, leather or other suitable known materials or a material yet to be developed. The pad is shaped to engage the length of the first metatarsal and may be an elongated oval, egg shaped, rectangular or trapezoidal. The pad may have a uniform thickness, or may be tapered from side to side, and or from top to bottom, having a thicker end proximate the first metatarsal head. The pad may also be cut, shaped, ground or skived by a podiatrist or qualified practitioner to adjust engagement with the first metatarsal, to enhance comfort and improve wearer compliance.
In another embodiment, the metatarsal lock pad can be a bladder filled with air or viscous material, such as water, oil, or silicone. In one embodiment the bladder size and rigidity may be adjusted by adding air, using a needle and pump, or by adding viscous material.
Each embodiment of the metatarsal lock may be used in conjunction with an orthotic having a cutout for the first ray and solid rearfoot control. Whereas, in the past orthotics with a first ray cutout only encouraged plantarflexion of the hallux; with the metatarsal lock, the compressible pad actually forces the first metatarsal into the cutout, providing excellent control of the first ray. The metatarsal lock may also be used in conjunction with a Cluffy wedge, or any number of other pronation control devices making them work more effectively.
In one embodiment, the metatarsal lock comprises an elastic material band having a pocket sewn on the top surface where a compressible metatarsal lock pad is installed. The compressible pad may be permanently sewn into the pocket or the pocket may open, allowing the pad to be removed for customization or to replace the pad with a different size or shape to better accommodate the wearer. In one embodiment, the band may include a fabric strap or compressible material rod attached to both the top and bottom surfaces of the band, the strap or rod will be positioned between the first and second phalanges (between the big toe and second toe) of the wearer, in a thong arrangement. The strap or rod helps the wearer properly position the compressible metatarsal lock pad over the first metatarsal ray, and insure proper alignment during extended use. In one embodiment, a separate pocket on the bottom surface of the band, extending from the second metatarsal ray to the lateral edge of foot, is also contemplated, allowing a podiatrist or the wearer to insert additional padding, or wedging, to adjust for different foot types, or medical conditions, and to ensure maximum wearer comfort. The elastic material band and compressible metatarsal lock pad provide support to the forefoot and downward deflection of the first metatarsal. However, for the metatarsal lock to fully engage the first metatarsal, the device is worn inside of properly fitting footwear. The construction and nature of the device is such that in can be worn under or over a conventional stocking and is small enough that it will not interfere with normal shoes or footwear.
One embodiment of the metatarsal lock may include an adjustable forefoot band. The band will include a pocket on the top surface, directly over the first metatarsal, for insertion of a compressible pad and may include additional pockets on the bottom surface of the forefoot band for further customization of the padding and to accommodate varying foot types and anomalous medical conditions. The adjustable band may overlap itself and attach using corresponding hook and loop fastener pads or in another embodiment, the band may include a clip where an end of the band is inserted and reversed over itself before being fastened. The level of forefoot support and deflection of the first metatarsal ray can be adjusted by releasing the book and loop fastener, providing tension on the tag end of the band and reattaching the tag end, effectively reducing the diameter of the forefoot band. The metatarsal lock with an adjustable forefoot band can be worn alone, under or over a stocking, and with most conventional footwear.
For another embodiment of the device, the metatarsal lock may include an adjustable forefoot band, having a closure mechanism and a pocket on the top surface of the forefoot directly over the first metatarsal for insertion of a compressible metatarsal lock pad. The adjustable band attached to an orthotic insole having a cutout for the first metatarsal ray, arch support and a formed heel cup. The device could be worn over or under a stocking and would be installed and adjusted by the wearer prior to installing a shoe.
Another embodiment of the metatarsal lock may be incorporated into a stocking, wherein, the stocking has a pocket sewn into the forefoot top surface for the insertion of a metatarsal lock pad or the metatarsal lock pad may be woven directly into the top surface of the stocking. The stocking has a defined heel portion and will be manufactured in a variety of sizes to provide proper alignment of the metatarsal lock pad. For effectiveness, pressure will be applied to the metatarsal lock pad by the inside top surface of a proper fitting shoe.
Another embodiment of the metatarsal lock device may be incorporated into a shoe or a sandal. A pocket for the compressible metatarsal lock can be formed into the inside top surface of a shoe or a sandal strap or can be formed integral with the inside surface of the footwear directly over the first metatarsal ray. It is contemplated that the shoe or sandal has an adjustable forefoot band that can be tensioned to engage the metatarsal lock pad. Tension could be supplied by, but not limited to, conventional lacing, isolated lacing for the forefoot only, a forefoot strap, or a cable ratchet mechanism. The shoe or sandal may have other pronation control mechanisms such as first metatarsal ray relief, a medial flange, toe wedge etc.
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