Thickness of the Plantar Fascia in Asymptomatic Subjects

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to determine the average and extreme values of the thickness of plantar fascia (PF) and to evaluate its correlations with anthropometric parameters and walking activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analytic study of 226 feet. On these feet, the thickness of the PF was measured on ultrasound; and its correlation with the age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), gender, and daily walking of the participants were studied. RESULTS: Thickness of the PF was symmetrical; the extreme values were 1.8 mm and 4.3 mm with an average of 3 mm ± 0.5. There was positive correlation of PF thickness with age, height, weight, BMI, and daily walking (P < 0.05). The variation of the PF thickness with gender was not significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Thickness of PF has a close correlates with age, height, weight, BMI, and walking activity.