Plantar plate injury — a common cause of forefoot pain.

The plantar plate is a ligamentous structure that connects each toe to its metatarsal (one of the long bones in the feet) in the ball of the foot. You have a plantar plate under each metatarsal head. The plantar plate protects the metatarsal head and helps to keep the joint stable and prevents excessive extension of the toes. It is a very important forefoot structure for stability and foot function and is prone to degeneration and occasionally tearing and/or rupture.

PLANTAR plate tear signs

  • Commonly occurs under the 2nd toe joint.

  • Pain and swelling in the ball of the foot.

  • Often associated with a floating toe.

common Causes of Plantar plate injury

  • Normal wear and tear leading to degeneration of the plantar plate.

  • Trauma.

  • Poor footwear.

  • Poor foot structure.

At The Perth Podiatrists, a plantar plate injury can normally be provisionally diagnosed at your first appointment and confirmed by diagnostic imaging, commonly by an ultrasound.

Plantar Plate Tear

PLANTAR PLATE TEAR

common treatments of Plantar plate injury - Dependant on the degree of injury

  • Temporary taping.

  • Splinting.

  • Footwear modifications.

  • Orthotics.

  • Moon Boots.

  • Surgery - rarely required.

Do you think you might have a plantar plate injury? We can help. Please give The Perth Podiatrists a call today and one of our podiatrists will assess you and reduce your forefoot pain. We’ll develop a treatment plan to get you back to the activities you love.

Sara Halas Perth Podiatrist B. POD. MED

 
Gregory McCluney