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.
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