The plantar plate is a thick ligament that runs along the ball of your foot, protecting the long bones of your foot (metatarsals) from excess pressure and preventing toes from spreading too far apart.

The plantar plate is designed to withstand a significant amount of pressure, but with overuse or injury, a tear can develop, leading to pain and discomfort. In this blog post, we will discuss what plantar plate tears are, their causes, symptoms, and recommended treatments.

What is a Plantar Plate Tear?

A plantar plate tear is a common injury that involves the tearing or rupturing of the plantar plate, causing significant pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including high-impact activities, the deterioration of the natural fat pad beneath the ball of the foot, foot structure, and the presence of bunions.

How is it Injured?

There are several ways that the plantar plate can become injured, including:

  • High-impact activities: Sports and activities that involve jumping, running or sudden changes in direction can put a lot of stress on the plantar plate and cause a tear.
  • Deterioration of the natural fat pad: The natural fat pad located beneath the ball of the foot can wear as we age. As the fat pad thins, more pressure is placed on the plantar plate, increasing the risk of a tear.
  • Bunions: A bunion is a deformity of the big toe joint that causes the big toe to turn towards the other toes, leading to pressure on the ball of the foot and increased risk of plantar plate tears.
  • Foot structure: Having high arches or a flat foot type can cause increased forces on the plantar plate region, leading to a tear.

What are the Symptoms of a Plantar Plate Tear?

Common symptoms of a plantar plate tear include:

  • Pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot.
  • Swelling through the small toe joints under the foot.
  • Pain in the ball of the foot or on top of the foot while weight-bearing.
  • Increased pain when on tiptoes, jumping, or wearing high-heeled shoes.
  • Increased pain while barefoot in comparison to walking with shoes.
  • Pain with bending of toes.

Preventing Plantar Plate Tears

While it is not always possible to prevent plantar plate tears, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, including:

  • Wearing shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support.
  • Avoiding high-impact activities and excessive exercise.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the feet.
  • Wearing custom orthotics or insoles to correct foot structure.

How can Plantar Plate Tears be Treated?

If you suspect you have a plantar plate tear, it is important to see one of our podiatrists who can assess your condition and provide a proper diagnosis. Treatment options will vary depending on the severity of the tear but may include:

  • Rest: Taking a break from activities that may have caused the injury can help the plantar plate to heal.
  • Orthotics: Orthotics, such as custom shoe inserts, can shift pressure and reduce strain on the plantar plate.
  • Strapping: Strapping can support the plantar plate and surrounding structures for short-term management.
  • Shockwave therapy: Can help stimulate healing factors and allow for tissue repair.
  • Surgery: In more severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the plantar plate.

A plantar plate tear is a painful condition that can significantly impact daily activities! However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, symptoms can be managed, and individuals can return to their normal activities.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a plantar plate tear, contact us at Fit Foot Podiatry to schedule a consultation with one of our podiatrists. We can help you find the relief you need and get you back to doing what you love.

‍