kantapohjan

Kantapohja is a Finnish term that refers to the base region of the heel on the foot. The form kantapohjan is the genitive case, used to indicate ownership or relation, for example in phrases describing aspects of the heel base such as kantapohjan rasitus or kantapohjan hoito.

Anatomically, the kantapohja region encompasses the bottom rear part of the foot, including the area over the calcaneus (heel bone), the surrounding soft tissue, and the thick plantar fat pad. The plantar fascia attachments and overlying skin contribute to weight bearing and shock absorption during standing and walking. The region is a key contact area in footwear design and gait analysis because pressure distribution here affects comfort and injury risk.

In Finnish clinical and rehabilitative contexts, kantapohjan pain or dysfunction is commonly discussed in relation to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, fat pad irritation, or contusions from trauma. Management typically involves a combination of rest, appropriate footwear or orthotics, padding, and targeted exercises to reduce stress on the heel base.

Etymologically, the term kantapohja combines kanta (base or foundation) and pohja (bottom or base). The genitive kantapohjan appears in medical, anatomical, and physiotherapeutic writings to describe features, conditions, or treatments related to the heel base.