Plantar anatomy

The regional anatomy of the plantar (sole) aspect of the foot is illustrated above. The plantar and medial views of the foot show the origin of the plantar fascia (at the calcaneus) and its insertion onto the plantar aspect of the toes. Also illustrated are the locations of adjacent innervation and the windlass mechanism, or bowstring effect, of the plantar fascia that serves to raise the arch of the foot as the toes are extended during the push-off phase of walking.