PLANTAR FASCIA (PF) ⠀ [ANATOMY] ⠀ The PF is comprised of white longitudinally organized fibrous connective tissue which originates on the periosteum of the medial calcaneal tubercle, where it is thinner but it extends into a thicker central portion. The thicker central portion then extends into five bands surrounding the flexor tendons as it passes all 5 metatarsal heads. ⠀ The PF blends with the paratenon of the Achilles tendon, the intrinsic foot musculature and even the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The thick viscoelastic multilobular fat pad is responsible for absorbing up to 110% of body weight during walking and 250% during running and deforms most during barefoot walking vs. shod walking. ⠀ A close up look at the plantar surface of the foot reveals the unique architecture of it's fascia. The foot has four major layers of tissue from dorsal surface to the tarsals. Removing the skin reveals the multi-directional orientation of the deep fascia. The illustrations in this post do an excellent job of showing: horizontal, longitudinal and oblique fibers. ⠀ All cross and intersect with each other to improve tensile strength and adaptability of the tissues. Within these layers lies the vessels and nerve branches of the foot. Within the fascial matrix itself is the vast network of receptors (mechanoreceptors, ruffini, pacini, thermorecetors). The foot has the highest concentration of receptors in the body that give the body constant feedback about its position in space. This is the link between the foot and the brain. One can think of foot's role as a "second brain". ⠀ During weight-bearing, the tibia loads the the foot “truss” and creates tension through the PF (windlass mechanism). The tension created in the PF adds critical stability to a loaded foot with minimal muscle activity. Evidence of the important stabilizing nature of the PF is evidence when following cases post surgical release which may lead to midfoot arthritis, rupture of the secondary stabilizers of the arch (e.g spring ligament), as well as other pathologies. ⠀ #physiotherapy #osteopathy #plantarfascia #fascia #anatomy #biotensegrity #tensegrity #plantarfasciitis #foot #running #walking #footpain https://www.instagram.com/p/CAFQmS5ALV_/?igshid=h1o01uucyl2s
