The plantar fascia is a very thick band of tissue that covers the
bones on the bottom of the foot. It extends from the heel to the
bones of the ball of the foot and acts like a rubber band to create
tension which maintains the arch of the foot. If the
band is long it allows the arch of the foot to be low, which is
most commonly known as having a flat foot. A short band of tissue
causes a high arch. This fascia can become inflamed and
painful in some people, making walking more difficult.
Review Date: 06/13/2010
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and
Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
