The Plantar Fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that connects the calcaneus (heel of the foot) to the base of the toes. 

It supports the the arch of the foot and helps to absorb shock when walking, running or other weight bearing positions or activities

Tension and loading the fascia can irritate it or inflame the fascia which causes pain 

Risk factors

• Age

• Exercises that put a lot of stress on your heel and attaching tissues

• Foot mechanics (flat feet or too high of an arch)

• Obesity

• Occupations that cause you to be on your feet a lot

It usually becomes irritated if loads are placed on the foot that are more aggressive than it is used to. 

Windlass Mechanism: a mechanical model that describes how the plantar fascia supports the foot during weight-bearing activities

• It is important during weight bearing positions to keep dynamic control of the foot- It is very cool how this works so read more about it if you love learning.