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The paper presents the effects of the application of a new technical solution along with medical procedures. This approach aims to correct the collapsed transverse arch of the foot and thus restore the physiological course of the anatomical structures. In this way, the alignment of the toes is achieved, thus also eliminating valgus of the big toe. In the article are presented results for 19 patients with stage I and 22 patients with stage II of the foot deformities. Patients applied the orthosis at 5−7 h daily per one year. Physical examination and X-ray scans were used to assess correction progress. Angles between individual bones of the foot were compared. Correction of the transverse arch of the foot reduces the remain toes deformities of the foot (II–V). The HV angle in the group of patients with the degree I deformity before and after the therapy was 18.3° (3.1°) and 15.2° (±2.6°), respectively, and for patients with degree II deformity it was 19.2° (±2.9°) and 16.3. (±3.2°). The correction deficit was reduced in stage I from 22% to 1.33% and in stage II from 28% to 8.6% (p <.05). The proposed approach to treating feet with the developed device, ie Forefoot arch-type orthosis: (1) restores spatial arrangement of tendons, bones, and ligaments and prevents the development of foot contractures (2) enables gradual stretching of extra-articular and capsular contractures (3) can reduce forefoot pain and improves the quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents a fragment of pilot studies showing the reconstruction of the transverse arch of the foot using a specially constructed orthosis for this purpose. It involves the mechanical reinforcement of the effect by an orthosis, which pushes down the I, IV, and V metatarsal bones while elevating or blocking the fall of the near-immobile II and III metatarsal bones according to the "three-force" rule. The correction of the transverse arch of the foot runs simultaneously with the correction of hallux valgus (HV). As a result, the significant correction of HV and associated toe deformities was achieved. In stage I foot deformity, the reduction of HV was reduced from 19.1° before to 15.1° after putting on orthosis (p = 0.024). In stage II, the reduction was from 20.1° (before) to 16.2° (after; p = 0.032). Equally satisfactory results were obtained for the remaining angles of the metatarsal bones. In the future, the method can be suitable for patients undergoing preparation for corrective HV surgery and for maintaining postoperative HV results. It can be used preventively, for example, by women who frequently wear high-heeled shoes and by those who need to remain standing for prolonged periods of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]