Orthopedic device
An orthopedic device as in a dorsal splint for treating plantar fasciitis includes a substantially rigid splint member having an overmolded flexible edge and living hinges, or substantially rigid component pieces received in a flexible member, to provide improved and more comfortable fitting to a user and reduced storage requirements. The splint member is shaped and configured to engage the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. A soft-good strap system is provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position and has suitable padding to treat various foot conditions.
1 . A dorsal splint comprising:
(a) a substantially rigid splint member having anterior and posterior surfaces, and forming
(i) an upper portion shaped and configured to engage the dorsal aspect of the leg,
(ii) an intermediate portion shaped and configured to engage the dorsal surface of the ankle, and
(iii) a lower portion shaped and configured to engage the dorsal surface of the foot, the lower portion having a distal end portion with a distal end;
(b) a strap system connecting to the splint member, the strap system defining a toe portion including a sleeve fittingly configured for securing to the distal end portion, and a plantar portion opposed to and spaced by a distance from the posterior surface of the lower portion, the plantar portion having first and second toe straps laterally extending therefrom and securing to the anterior surface of the lower portion.
2 . The dorsal splint according to claim 1 , wherein the plantar portion includes a contoured plantar pad directed towards the posterior surface of the splint member.
3 . The dorsal splint according to claim 1 , wherein each of the toe straps defines an angled pull joining opposed sections of the respective toe strap, the first and second toe straps arranged to wrap around opposes sides of a toe portion of a foot.
4 . The dorsal splint according to claim 1 , wherein a first, outer surface of the sleeve extending over the anterior surface of the lower portion includes a hook-receiving material, and a second, outer surface of the sleeve extending over the posterior surface of the lower portion includes a contoured padding.
5 . The dorsal splint according to claim 1 , wherein inner surfaces of the first and second toe straps are securable to outer surfaces of the first and second toe straps, and to a first, outer surface of the sleeve extending over the anterior surface of the lower portion.
6 . The dorsal splint according to claim 1 , wherein the toe portion includes a toe stopper extending from the sleeve at a location corresponding to the distal end of the lower portion, and connecting to the plantar portion.
7 . The dorsal splint according to claim 6 , wherein the lower portion defines a plurality of through extending slots and generally corresponding to the lower portion.
8 . The dorsal splint according to claim 1 , wherein the strap system further includes an ankle portion connected to the toe portion, the ankle portion having first and second ankle straps securable to the anterior surface of the intermediate portion.
9 . The dorsal splint according to claim 8 , wherein the strap system further includes a stretchable bridge portion linking the toe portion to the ankle portion.
10 . The dorsal splint according to claim 8 , wherein the strap system further includes a calf portion extending continuously with the ankle portion, the calf portion having at least one strap securing to the upper portion.
11 . The dorsal splint according to claim 1 , wherein the upper portion defines a slot, the strap system having a calf portion including a strap arranged to be received by the slot.
12 . A dorsal splint comprising:
(a) a substantially rigid splint member having anterior and posterior surfaces, and forming
(i) an upper portion shaped and configured to engage the dorsal aspect of the leg,
(ii) an intermediate portion shaped and configured to engage the dorsal surface of the ankle, and
(iii) a lower portion shaped and configured to engage the dorsal surface of the foot, the lower portion having a distal end portion with a distal end;
(b) a soft-good strap system connecting to the splint member, the strap system defining:
(i) a toe portion including a plantar portion connected to the sleeve, the plantar portion opposed to and spaced by a distance from the posterior surface of the lower portion, the plantar portion having first and second toe straps laterally extending therefrom and securing to the anterior surface of the lower portion;
(ii) a sleeve comprising part of the toe portion and fittingly configured for securing over the distal end portion of the lower portion, the plantar portion extending the distance away from the sleeve; and
(iii) an inner padding liner extending from the sleeve and generally encompassing the entirety of the posterior surface of the splint member.
13 . The dorsal splint according to claim 12 , wherein the plantar portion includes a contoured plantar pad directed towards the posterior surface of the splint member.
14 . The dorsal splint according to claim 12 , wherein inner surfaces of the first and second toe straps are securable to outer surfaces of the first and second straps, and to a first, outer surface of the sleeve extending over the anterior surface of the lower portion.
15 . The dorsal splint according to claim 12 , wherein the toe portion includes a toe stopper extending from the sleeve at a location corresponding to the distal end of the lower portion, and connecting to the plantar portion.
16 . The dorsal splint according to claim 12 , wherein the strap system further includes an ankle portion connected to the toe portion, the ankle portion having first and second ankle straps securable to the anterior surface of the intermediate portion.
17 . The dorsal splint according to claim 16 , wherein the ankle portion further includes first and second stretchable straps secured to the inner padding liner and the first and second ankle straps.
18 . The dorsal splint according to claim 16 , wherein the strap system further includes a stretchable bridge portion linking the toe portion to the ankle portion.
19 . The dorsal splint according to claim 16 , wherein the strap system further includes a calf portion extending continuously with the ankle portion, the calf portion having at least one strap securing to the upper portion.
20 . A dorsal splint comprising:
(a) a substantially rigid splint member having anterior and posterior surfaces, and forming
(i) an upper portion shaped and configured to engage the dorsal aspect of the leg,
(ii) an intermediate portion shaped and configured to engage the dorsal surface of the ankle, and
(iii) a lower portion shaped and configured to engage the dorsal surface of the foot, the lower portion having a distal end portion with a distal end;
(b) a soft-good strap system connecting to the splint member, the strap system defining:
(i) a toe portion including a plantar portion opposed to and spaced by a distance from the posterior surface of the lower portion, the plantar portion having a contoured padding area opposite to the posterior surface of the lower portion; and
(ii) an inner padding liner secured to and generally encompassing the entirety of the posterior surface of the splint member.