Plantar vs. Volar — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 6, 2024
Plantar refers to the sole of the foot, while volar pertains to the palm of the hand or the underside of the forearm.
Difference Between Plantar and Volar
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Plantar is specifically associated with the sole of the foot, like the plantar fascia, which supports the arch. Volar, on the other hand, is a more general term that applies to the palm of the hand or the underside of the forearm.
Plantar surfaces are limited to the feet, particularly the areas in contact with the ground. Volar surfaces encompass the palms of the hands, providing tactile sensation, and the undersides of the forearms.
Plantar injuries include conditions like plantar fasciitis or plantar warts, affecting only the feet. Volar injuries or ailments can involve various hand structures, like the volar plate, which stabilizes finger joints.
Plantar reflexes relate to the sole of the foot, often used in neurological exams. Volar surfaces, conversely, feature distinctive fingerprints and are involved in activities requiring grip and dexterity.
Plantar orthoses or treatments focus on foot support and gait correction, whereas volar treatments often emphasize hand mobility, such as splints for volar plate injuries.
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Comparison Chart
Location
Sole of the foot
Palm of the hand, underside of forearm
Associated Conditions
Plantar fasciitis, plantar warts
Volar plate injuries, carpal tunnel
Sensory Function
Relates to balance and pressure sensing
Provides tactile sensation
Reflex
Plantar reflex
None specific
Treatments
Orthotics, stretching
Splints, surgery for volar plate
Compare with Definitions
Plantar
Refers to the underside of the foot.
Stretching exercises help alleviate pain in the plantar region.
Volar
Refers to the palm side of the hand.
The surgeon made an incision on the volar surface.
Plantar
Inflammation of the tissue on the sole.
Runners often suffer from plantar fasciitis due to overuse.
Volar
Fibrocartilage structure stabilizing fingers.
He injured the volar plate while playing basketball.
Plantar
Orthotic devices for plantar arch support.
She wears special inserts to support her plantar arches.
Volar
The part facing the palm when the hand is up.
The volar aspect of the forearm contains important nerves.
Plantar
A wart that occurs on the sole of the foot.
The plantar wart made walking painful.
Volar
Passage on the volar side for nerves and tendons.
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the volar side of the wrist.
Plantar
Reflexive response when the sole is stimulated.
The doctor tested the plantar reflex during the exam.
Volar
Allows for gripping and fine motor skills.
Proper volar function is crucial for delicate tasks like writing.
Plantar
Of, relating to, or occurring on the sole of the foot
Plantar warts.
Volar
Of or relating to the sole of the foot or the palm of the hand.
Plantar
(anatomy) Relating to the sole of the foot.
A plantar wart
Volar
(anatomy) Pertaining to the palm of the hand or the sole of the foot.
Plantar
Of or pertaining to the sole of the foot; as, the plantar arteries.
Volar
Of or pertaining to the palm of the hand or the sole of the foot.
Plantar
Relating to or occurring on the undersurface of the foot;
Plantar warts can be very painful
Volar
Relating to the palm of the hand or the sole of the foot;
The volar surface
The palmar muscle
Common Curiosities
Is the volar aspect limited to the hands?
No, it also includes the underside of the forearm.
What conditions affect the volar side?
Carpal tunnel syndrome and volar plate injuries can affect the volar side.
Are there special orthotic devices for plantar conditions?
Yes, orthotic devices can support arches or relieve plantar fasciitis pain.
Can plantar surfaces develop warts more easily?
Yes, the pressure and moisture of shoes can increase susceptibility.
What does "volar" mean?
"Volar" refers to the palm of the hand or the underside of the forearm.
What are common plantar issues?
Plantar fasciitis and plantar warts are common issues related to the sole.
Does "volar" describe specific reflexes?
No, but it is involved in grip strength and sensation.
Does "plantar" relate to any specific reflexes?
Yes, the plantar reflex involves the sole of the foot.
What is a volar plate injury?
An injury to the volar plate, a ligament that stabilizes finger joints.
What does "plantar" mean?
"Plantar" refers to the sole of the foot.
Do plantar surfaces have a specific sensory role?
Yes, they detect pressure changes during walking.
How are plantar and volar treatments different?
Plantar treatments focus on foot support, while volar treatments often address hand dexterity.
Can plantar conditions affect balance?
Yes, because the plantar side supports walking and balance.
Are volar surfaces important for grip strength?
Yes, they provide essential dexterity and grip ability.
What is the significance of volar fingerprints?
They provide unique identification and aid in tactile sensation.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
