Plantar Plate Tear

What is Plantar Plate Tear?

The plantar plate is a thick ligament on the underside of your foot, running along the first joint of each toe.

Its purpose is to act like a support cable and protect the toe joints from pressure and injury, and to prevent the joint from bending upward beyond the normal range of motion. Injury to the plantar plate results to mild to severe pain and swelling under the ball of the foot, extending toward the toes (most commonly the 2nd or 3rd).

One or more of your toes may be splayed or clawed. You may also have a sensation of numbness or “burning pain” in your toes, or a feeling like you’re walking on the bones of your foot.

What are the symptoms of a Plantar Plate Tear?

• Pain, swelling, stiffness, under the ball of the foot
• Abnormal positioning of the affected digit

How does a Plantar Plate Tear occur?

Injury to the plantar plate is usually caused by overuse, such as from running; obesity, which puts too much body weight on the ligament; or wearing high heeled shoes too often which locks the forefoot into a flexed position and requires the plantar plate to carry all of your body weight.

What can help with Plantar Plate Tear?

Rest and avoid strenuous exercise (such as running). As you improve, you can return to exercise gradually.
Cold compress (ice pack) will help to decrease swelling and control the pain.
Short term use of anti-inflammatory drugs can be helpful to decrease the pain.
See a podiatrist!

How can I get more help?

Book an appointment by calling (07) 5443 6761 or clicking here to book online