Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot disorder which can cause severe, sharp pains in the heel due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, tissue which runs across the bottom of the foot. It's common in both athletes and non-athletes, and while the symptoms tend to reduce within the first hour after waking in the morning, the pain can return after long periods of walking or standing up. Continued non-treatment can lead to chronic plantar fasciitis which can lead to serious degradation of the tissue and constant pain, rendering the patient unable to walk. An easy treatment in the earlier stages of the injury can be the use of ankle splints during sleep which helps lengthen the plantar fascia to reduce inflammation. Night tension splints, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and viscoelastic heel cushion and stretching program can be used as an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, according to one study [3].
Bill of Materials[edit | edit source]
- BOM:
- Jute Cord (12' for $0.20)
- Filament (312 grams for $6.24)
- https://www.youmagine.com/designs/night-splint-ankle-brace
Tools needed[edit | edit source]
- MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer
- Sandpaper
- X-acto Knife
Skills and knowledge needed[edit | edit source]
- No special skills beyond operation of a 3D printer necessary.
Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions[edit | edit source]
Insert the front half of the foot part into the the back half of the foot part, placing the pegs into their designated holes.
Insert the leg portion into the foot part, with the semicircle inserting into the open slot on the foot.
Insert the attachment piece through the slot in the back of the foot and leg parts.
Insert the 8' piece of the Jute String through the top hole on the leg part and then through the furthest hole on the left-hand side of the foot part.
Bring the string back to the third hole down on the leg portion, and then back to the second furthest hold on the foot part.
Continue this pattern until all the holes on the foot part on the left-hand portion have been strung through.
Wrap the string around the back of the leg to the closest hole on the right-hand side of the foot part.
Copy the pattern created on the left hand side of the part.
By the end, both sides should have the same pattern.
Now use the 4' piece of string and string it directly horizontally across the leg part through the second to the top hole.
Pull it down to the 4th from the top hole and string it horizontally across to the opposite hole.
Continue this pattern until there are 3 horizontal strings crossing the leg part.
After loosening, you can then place a foot in and secure it.
- Print time estimated at ~ 16 hours for all parts.
- Assembly time estimated at ~ 15 minutes
Common Problems and Solutions[edit | edit source]
The most difficult part of this build is maintaining good quality of print over long periods of time due to presence of multiple overhangs. Assembly isn't especially difficult.
Cost savings[edit | edit source]
- Total cost ~ $6.13
- Commercial night splints can range from $30 - $100 making a savings of between 80% and 94%.
- Surgeries for Plantar Fasciitis can cost more than $1000, making a savings of 99.4%
Benefited Internet Communities[edit | edit source]
- Health Lead USA [1]
- African Medical and Research Foundation [2]
- International Medical Corps [3]
- Village Reach [4]
- Basic Needs [5]
- ↑ Web Page: Mayo Clinic Plantar Fasciitis (2018) Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354846
- ↑ Web Page: Podiatry Today Secrets to Patient Adherence with Night Splints (2009) Available:https://www.podiatrytoday.com/secrets-to-patient-adherence-with-night-splints
- ↑ Web Page: An ultimate Guide to the Night Splints Available:https://www.drugsbanks.com/best-plantar-fasciitis-night-splint/
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