Plantar venous arch

The plantar venous arch refers to the deep venous system located on the plantar aspect of the foot. It is anatomically composed of multiple large-caliber veins (typically 1–4, mean diameter approximately 4 mm) that course diagonally from the lateral forefoot to the medial aspect at the level of the ankle, spanning about 75% of the foot arch. These veins form a plexus that coalesces into an outflow tract, which drains exclusively into the posterior tibial veins. The plantar venous arch is equipped with prominent valves in many individuals, facilitating unidirectional flow during ambulation and mechanical compression, which is integral to venous return from the foot and calf.[1]

The plantar venous arch must not be confused with the superficial plantar venous network that is formed by branches of the great saphenous vein, small saphenous vein, and dorsal venous arch.