Plantar fascia and foot structure and function in living individual: Review

Background: Mechanical load affects the behavior of the plantar fascia14.Plantar fascia supports medial longitudinal arch both in weight bearing and locomotion.11 This literature review aims better comprehension about role of the plantar fascia on the structure (arch height) and function (adaptation) of the foot and ankle in living individual. Literatures were reviewed through a systematic method to establish and to analyze current knowledge, previous studies and problems. Result: Plantar fascia affects foot arch and adaptation under vertical load in living individual. Conclusion: Modification of the plantar fascia thickness under vertical load is its specific property. Relevance: In abnormal conditions of the foot and ankle in static and locomotion, plantar fascia thickness assessment is required. Keywords: mechanical load, plantar fascia, foot