Plantar fascia

Plantar Fascia

The Plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue (fascia) that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. It helps to support the arch of the foot and plays a crucial role in normal foot mechanics during walking and running.

Anatomy

The plantar fascia is a long, thin ligament that lies directly beneath the skin on the bottom of your foot. It connects the heel to the front of your foot, and supports the arch of your foot.

Function

The plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of the foot, helping you walk. It also helps to lift the arch of the foot as the body's weight is transferred forward when a person walks or runs.

Conditions

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is the most common condition associated with the plantar fascia. It is an inflammation of the plantar fascia and causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot that is usually most severe with the first steps of the day or following a period of rest.

Heel Spurs

Heel Spurs are another condition related to the plantar fascia. These are abnormal growths of bone on the bottom of the heel bone that may be caused by an abnormal gait, posture or walking, inappropriate shoes, or certain activities, like running.

Treatment

Treatment for conditions of the plantar fascia may include rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy and stretching exercises. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

See Also

• Foot Anatomy
• Foot Conditions
• Foot Pain

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