Where is the rocker bar located?

• A. Located proximal to the met heads
• B. Located at the heel
• C. Located under the medial arch
• D. Attached to the toe box

Answer: (A)

A rocker bar is placed to create a smooth forward rolling action of the foot during gait, so propulsion comes from a defined pivot just behind the forefoot. Locating the bar proximal to the metatarsal heads means the arc begins behind the forefoot, allowing the foot to roll over easily as you move toward toe-off. This design reduces the demand on the metatarsophalangeal joints and lowers forefoot pressure, which is helpful for conditions like forefoot pain or limited propulsion. If the bar were at the heel, it would alter heel contact rather than promote forward rollover; under the medial arch would act as arch support rather than facilitate propulsion; attached to the toe box would interfere with toe function and clearance and wouldn’t provide the intended rolling mechanism.