Abstract: Objective To assess the stiffness and thickness of the plantar fascia using shear wave elastography (SWE) in healthy
volunteers of different ages and in patients with plantar fasciitis. Methods The bilateral feet of 30 healthy volunteers and 23
patients with plantar fasciitis were examined with SWE. The plantar fascia thickness and elasticity modulus value were
measured at the insertion of the calcaneus and at 1 cm from the insertion. Results The elderly volunteers had a significantly
greater plantar fascia thickness measured using conventional ultrasound (P=0.005) and a significantly lower elasticity modulus
value than the young volunteers (P=0.000). The patients with fasciitis had a significantly greater plantar fascia thickness (P=
0.001) and a lower elasticity modulus value than the elderly volunteers (P=0.000). The elasticity modulus value was
significantly lower at the calcaneus insertion than at 1 cm from the insertion in patients with fasciitis (P=0.000) but showed no
significantly difference between the two points in the elderly or young volunteers (P=0.172, P=0.126). Conclusion SWE allows
quantitative assessment of the stiffness of the plantar fascia, which decreases with aging and in patients with plantar fasciitis.