Plantar Plate Injury: Symptoms, Causes, and Management
Forefoot pain can be due to many kinds of conditions related to the nerve, bone, tendon, or ligament. In this video, we are focusing on plantar plate injuries.
What is a plantar plate injury?
A plantar plate injury is a tear or rupture of the plantar plate, which is a thick band of tissue that connects the toes to the metatarsal bones. The plantar plate helps to stabilize the toes and keep them in the correct position. Plantar plate injuries are most common in the second and third toes.
What are the symptoms of a plantar plate injury?
The most common symptoms of a plantar plate injury are:
- Pain and discomfort at the ball of the foot
- Pain with walking or running
- A feeling of instability in the toes
- The toes may feel as though they are separating, floating, or changing position
What causes a plantar plate injury?
Plantar plate injuries can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Overuse, such as running or walking on hard surfaces
- Trauma, such as a fall or a sports injury
- Deformities of the foot, such as bunions or hammertoes
- Conditions that affect the joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis
How is a plantar plate injury diagnosed?
A plantar plate injury is usually diagnosed by a podiatrist or physician. They will perform a physical examination of the foot and may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or ultrasound, to confirm the diagnosis.
How is a plantar plate injury managed?
The management of a plantar plate injury depends on the severity of the injury. Mild injuries may be managed with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). More severe injuries may require more aggressive intervention, such as advanced podiatric therapy, orthotics, or in the worst case scenario, surgery.
If you are experiencing pain in your forefoot, please speak to a podiatrist for advice.