Which foot orthosis is used to support the longitudinal arch?

Which foot orthosis is used to support the longitudinal arch?

• A. Scaphoid pad
• B. Cushion-heel
• C. Metatarsal pad
• D. UCBL insert

Answer: (A)

Support of the longitudinal arch is achieved by a device that directly elevates and supports the arch along the midfoot, helping to prevent navicular drop and overpronation during stance. A scaphoid pad is placed under the navicular (scaphoid) region along the medial midfoot, which provides focused support to the medial longitudinal arch and helps maintain the arch height as the foot bears weight. The other options don’t target the arch in the same way. A cushion-heel focuses on the heel cushion and does not address the arch. A metatarsal pad sits beneath the metatarsal heads to unload forefoot pressure, not to support the arch. An UCBL insert is a full-foot orthosis that recontours and supports the entire foot, including the arch and hindfoot, but it’s a more comprehensive, corrective device rather than a specific arch-support pad.

Support of the longitudinal arch is achieved by a device that directly elevates and supports the arch along the midfoot, helping to prevent navicular drop and overpronation during stance. A scaphoid pad is placed under the navicular (scaphoid) region along the medial midfoot, which provides focused support to the medial longitudinal arch and helps maintain the arch height as the foot bears weight.

The other options don’t target the arch in the same way. A cushion-heel focuses on the heel cushion and does not address the arch. A metatarsal pad sits beneath the metatarsal heads to unload forefoot pressure, not to support the arch. An UCBL insert is a full-foot orthosis that recontours and supports the entire foot, including the arch and hindfoot, but it’s a more comprehensive, corrective device rather than a specific arch-support pad.