US Patent 7299568 Orthopedic foot devices

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.