Orthotics

Question 1

What is the purpose of soft inserts (Foot orthosis, FO)?

Answer 1

Reduce areas of high loading, restrict forces, and protect painful or sensitive areas of the feet

Question 2

What is a metatarsal pad and what is the purpose?

Answer 2

Pad located posterior to metatarsal head;
Moves pressure from the head to the shaft of the metatarsal.
Allows for more push-off in weak or inflexible feet

Question 3

What is the purpose of a cushion heel?

Answer 3

Relieve pressure during heel contact

Relieves stress on plantar fascia in plantar fasciitis

Question 4

What is the purpose of a scaphoid pad?

Answer 4

support the longitudinal arch

Question 5

When would you use a varus or valgus rear foot post?

Answer 5

Varus (medial wedge): limits or controls eversion of calcaneus. Reduces calcanea eversion during running

Valgus (lateral wedge): controls calcaneal inversion and supination during heel strike

Question 6

What are an anterior stop and a posterior stop used for in an AFO?

Answer 6

Anterior stop: Limits DF, results in more knee flexion and can control knee hyperextension. Too far forward results in knee buckling

Posterior stop: Limites PF, results in knee extension. Used to control an unstable knee that buckles. Too far back results in knee hyperextension

Question 7

Which type of spring assist in an AFO would be used to prevent foot drop?

Answer 7

Posterior leaf spring (PLS)

Question 8

In a KAFO, where is the hinge placed when compared to the weight bearing line?

Answer 8

Posterior,

This is to assist in extension, stabilize knee during early stance