FCC Footwear & Orthotics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of orthotic is most appropriate for a patient presenting with plantar fasciitis?
- A thin, hard plastic insert with no arch support
- An orthotic with firm arch support and heel cushioning (Correct answer)
- A completely flat insole with no contouring
- An orthotic that elevates the toes above the heel
Correct answer: An orthotic with firm arch support and heel cushioning
Plantar fasciitis benefits from orthotics that support the arch and cushion the heel, reducing tension on the plantar fascia and impact forces at heel strike.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a medial wedge incorporated into a shoe or orthotic?
- To supinate the foot and correct overpronation (Correct answer)
- To further pronate the foot by elevating the lateral side
- To increase overall shoe width for comfort
- To improve the aesthetic appearance of the shoe
Correct answer: To supinate the foot and correct overpronation
A medial wedge elevates the inner (medial) side of the foot, which supinates the foot and helps correct overpronation (excessive inward rolling).
Question 3: What toe box characteristic is most important for a patient with hammertoe deformities?
- The toe box depth does not matter for hammertoe patients
- Extra depth to accommodate the elevated toe joint without creating pressure (Correct answer)
- Standard depth is always clinically sufficient
- A very shallow toe box to limit toe movement
Correct answer: Extra depth to accommodate the elevated toe joint without creating pressure
Hammertoe deformities create a raised toe joint that requires extra depth in the toe box to prevent painful pressure and skin breakdown over the PIP joint.
Question 4: Which footwear characteristic is most important when selecting shoes for an elderly patient at risk for falls?
- Slip-on style with smooth leather soles for ease of removal
- Elevated heel for improved posture and balance
- Low heel, non-slip sole, and secure fastening such as lace or Velcro (Correct answer)
- Narrow toe box for a more secure fit around the toes
Correct answer: Low heel, non-slip sole, and secure fastening such as lace or Velcro
Fall prevention footwear should have a low heel for stability, non-slip soles for traction, and secure fastenings to prevent the shoe from slipping off during ambulation.
Question 5: What does the term 'last' refer to in shoe manufacturing?
- The final quality inspection of a completed shoe
- The three-dimensional foot-shaped form used to shape the shoe during construction (Correct answer)
- The last pair produced in a given size run
- The outer sole material applied at the end of production
Correct answer: The three-dimensional foot-shaped form used to shape the shoe during construction
The 'last' is the foot-shaped mold around which a shoe is constructed; its shape determines the overall fit, toe shape, and internal volume of the finished shoe.
Question 6: Which toe box shape is most appropriate for a patient with hallux valgus (bunion)?
- Pointed toe box to direct the toes together
- Narrow toe box for a sleek, close-fitting appearance
- Wide, rounded toe box to accommodate the bunion prominence (Correct answer)
- An extremely stiff toe box with no lateral flexibility
Correct answer: Wide, rounded toe box to accommodate the bunion prominence
A wide, rounded toe box accommodates the bony prominence of a bunion without creating pressure that could lead to pain, skin irritation, or ulceration.
Question 7: When fitting therapeutic footwear for a patient whose feet are two different sizes, what is the recommended approach?
- Always fit to the smaller foot for a secure overall fit
- Always fit to the larger foot and use padding in the larger shoe only
- Fit to the larger foot and use insoles or padding to accommodate the smaller foot (Correct answer)
- Insist the patient wear two separate shoe sizes if commercially available
Correct answer: Fit to the larger foot and use insoles or padding to accommodate the smaller foot
The shoe should always be fitted to the larger foot to prevent compression and pressure, and padding or insoles can fill space to accommodate the smaller foot.
FCC Footwear & Orthotics 2
Which type of orthotic is most appropriate for a patient presenting with plantar fasciitis?