The invention corrects the dynamic mechanical dysfunction of the hallux valgus toe during sports-specific gaits and weight-bearing activity with an orthotic featuring a toe-supporting structural band that inserts into the user's existing shoe, thereby increasing stability in the structure of the foot and lower limb. Correcting this instability as the transverse and medial longitudinal arches buckle and the knee rolls medially amplifies the recruitment of muscle fibers chronically deactivated in the hallux valgus gait, namely the muscles of the inside lower limb and the posterior chain. The invention enables greater sports-specific speed, balance, agility, endurance, power delivery through the foot into the ground, stability of the lower limb (and therefore the entire body) as it engages surfaces, and corrects muscular imbalances by re-training neuromuscular activation patterns. The construction technique of this invention is applicable to correct hammertoes, overlapping toes, tailor's bunion, and may reduce pain associated with bunions.
展开▼
