toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Plantar fascia

Plantar fascia

Skeletal view of the foot, showing the plantar fascia

The plantar fascia is a ligament attached to the heel bone (calcaneus). It divides and fans out to attach to the bones at the base of the toes. These bones are called the metatarsal bones. Layers of muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels run over the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia covers these layers and acts as a bowstring on the bottom of the foot, helping the bones of the foot maintain the arch. A fat pad covers the plantar fascia beneath the heel bone. This pad cushions the heel as it takes the force of each footstep.

Current as of: July 17, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.