Therapeutic leg and foot device

Abstract

A therapeutic leg and foot device comprising an L-shaped member having an elongated channel-like portion adapted to fit the posterior region of the lower leg and a foot portion extending integrally at right angles therefrom. The integral connection is curved to avoid contact with the patient's heel when the device is in place. The channel shape flattens out at the curved portion and is narrowed to promote the required flexing at this point. The device is constructed of resilient transparent acrylic plastic material which is resilient under a stress load but has sufficient rigidity to maintain a bed patient's foot in properly disposed position to prevent bed sores or drop foot. However, when used in the correction of drop foot, the foot portion is flexed away from the perpendicular to an obtuse angle with the leg portion to conform to the deformity. In this position the device exerts a 30 to 50 lb. pressure on the foot area to bias the foot back into normal position. There is also an equal amount of pressure or counter force on the lateral arch to correct outward turning of a foot usually associated with a foot drop deformity. This rigid flexibility also permits its use as an ambulation aid in gait training. The device is provided with releasable means for securing to the patient's foot. Attachments may be made for preventing undesirable rotation of the leg; for making the device rigid to maintain the immobility of the foot and heel; and for maintaining the bed sheets and blankets in spaced relation to the patient's toes.