Orthotic arch support including self-adjusting arch curve and method of using orthotic

Abstract

An orthotic arch support including an intrinsically self-adjusting medial longitudinal arch curve including a plurality of generally adjacent incisions being generally transverse across the medial longitudinal arch curve. The incisions originate at a medial side of the arch curve, thereby separating the curved arching surface into a plurality of resilient extensions. The plurality of extensions are compressed against each other and self-adjust the arch curve height and slopes during each step. As weight shifts onto the posterior slope, the height of the arch curve is decreased by limited compression of each extension against adjacent extensions during each stride. Each resilient extension flexibly rebounds to return the arch curve to an unweighted height when weight shifts off of the arch curve. A tensioning means is insertable underneath the extensions to adjust the height and slopes of the arch curve, providing for user adjustment of the arch curve height and slopes as foot pain is reduced during use. One orthosis, or a pair, are adjustable upon a physician's guidance and are movable by the user between shoes, requiring only one orthosis, or a pair, for therapeutic treatment of foot pain. A method of treatment of inflamation and pain in the foot includes utilizing an orthosis having an adjustable arch curve, and selectively and periodically adjusting the height and slope of the arch curve by manipulation of a tensioning means of the orthosis for therapeutic support and strengthening of the user's arches and feet.