The windlass mechanism is a mechanism in the foot first described by Hicks in 1954. In yachting, the windlass is that lever system that is used to pull in sails. In a wishing well, it is the pulley system that is used to raise and lower the bucket. In the foot, the hallux is the lever that pulls the plantar fascia or aponeurosis around the head of the first metatarsal. The effects of the windlass mechanism, which occurs when the heel comes off the ground are to elevate the arch of the foot and supinate the foot. This has to co-ordinate with many other functions, such as external rotation of the leg during late in the stance phase. Any dysfunction of the windlass mechanism interferes with this process and can cause problems. Foot orthotics needed to incorporate design parameters that enhance the function of the reverse windlass mechanism.

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