Metatarsal pad structured with relation to the foot for which it is intended so that it bridges across the width of the five metatarsal bones; a configuration at the front is such that each metatarsal is supported just posteriorly of the head thereof and with a height to raise the heads of the metatarsals from weight bearing and transfer of the weight over a larger area. The front of the pad is characterized by a radius of curvature of about 3/16 of an inch in the vertical plane and the frontal outline in the horizontal plane is preferably convex in the central portion while being slightly concave on either side thereof; this conforms to the shape of volar surface of the metatarsal as it develops the head of each metatarsal. The alternate concave and convex frontal outlines follow a line just posterior to the head of the first metatarsal and progressing laterally just behind the head of each subsequent metatarsal. The pads are asymmetric and are provided for the left and the right foot. A minimum of about five sizes are provided for adult foot sizes. The pads may be formed of room temperature curing urethane elastomer or injection molded latex or other suitable material, preferably with flexibility, resilience and relatively low compressibility. It is contemplated that the pads will be fitted by properly trained persons for maximum benefit in reducing trauma to the heads of the metatarsal that cause callosities and other problems.
Cushion to provide tripodal support at the three gait points of the human foot to alleviate pedal dysfunction and associated leg discomfort resulting from pregnancy, obesity, spinal deformity and the like. The cushion comprises support cushions positioned at points corresponding to the locations of the posterior calcaneus, the calcaneal-cuboid region and the base of the first metatarsal bone of a human foot. The support cushions are made of polymeric foam having a density greater than that of a surrounding insole and are positioned to form an obtuse triangle of support that directs the forces generated by walking across the foot so as to provide a near functionally perfect gait. The cushions may be separately adhered to the sock lining within a shoe or formed as part of an insole for temporary or permanent placement in incorporation as part of a shoe construction.
An improved safety boot or shoe is disclosed which integrally incorporates a cushioned metatarsal guard to protect the metatarsal region of the wearer's foot from injury caused by objects falling onto this region of the wearer's foot. The metatarsal guard is be assembled from different segments of materials in consecutive layer fashion, and in the preferred embodiment includes a segment of impact cushion material, a segment of cut-resistant material, a segment of force absorption material, and a segment of in-step cushion material. The segments are preferably adhesively affixed together to form a sandwich, with the sandwich then being interposed between the interior of the upper and the inner lining of the safety boot or shoe. In the preferred embodiment, a rigid toe is also included, with a portion of the metatarsal guard of the present invention overlying a portion of the rigid toe.
An orthopedic device for correction of varus, valgus, or supinatus structural abnormalities of a subject's foot is provided. The device of the invention generally includes a compensatory wedge of a polyethylene foam material exhibiting a hardness in the range of 30 to 35 durometer. The wedge may be located between the subject's foot and footwear at the location of the recessed abnormality. In a preferred embodiment, the wedge is wedge-shaped laterally of the foot so as to compensate for a varus or valgus recessed structural foot abnormality. The polyethylene foam material preferably has a micro-structure comprised of fine, open cells, so as to allow for sufficient air flow and heat dissipation when in use to thereby reduce discomfort.
