Plantar Plate Tear
What is it?
Your toes are kept aligned and positioned by a delicate, complex balance of soft tissue.
As with hammer toe, this balance is easily disrupted.
The plantar plate is a tiny strip of cartilage that sits around the ball of each toe.
It's job is to resist the huge amount of force that meets each digit when your foot hits the ground.
It keeps each toe from springing up and spreading.
A plantar plate tear most often affects the second toe. This is because this digit is longer, and takes more force than the one best designed to, the big toe.
As with hammer toe, this balance is easily disrupted.
The plantar plate is a tiny strip of cartilage that sits around the ball of each toe.
It's job is to resist the huge amount of force that meets each digit when your foot hits the ground.
It keeps each toe from springing up and spreading.
A plantar plate tear most often affects the second toe. This is because this digit is longer, and takes more force than the one best designed to, the big toe.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms include:
The classic sign of splayed second and third toes is late stage, effectively when there is a full rupture.
- "Cigar holder" shape of toes.
- Noticeable discomfort under the second toe
- A small amount of retraction i.e. hammer toe of the second digit
The classic sign of splayed second and third toes is late stage, effectively when there is a full rupture.
Misdiagnosis
A plantar plate tear is often misdiagnosed and missed.
One reason for this is that to accurately detect it early often requires ultrasound or MRI scans.
Crucially, this needs to be performed by someone who is experienced at detecting plantar plate tears.
Another reason is that it's early symptoms are similar to a myriad of other forefoot conditions.
One reason for this is that to accurately detect it early often requires ultrasound or MRI scans.
Crucially, this needs to be performed by someone who is experienced at detecting plantar plate tears.
Another reason is that it's early symptoms are similar to a myriad of other forefoot conditions.
Causes
Essentially any excessive force on the toes can cause a plantar plate tear.
It is, however more common in those with longer second toes.
People who run or jump a lot are also at risk. It's noticeable in barefoot runners or joggers who wear minimal-style trainers.
It is, however more common in those with longer second toes.
People who run or jump a lot are also at risk. It's noticeable in barefoot runners or joggers who wear minimal-style trainers.
Prevention and treatment
Early detection is crucial as a plantar plate tear can be problematic to remedy.
If it's suspected, early stage treatment involves wearing stiff-soled shoes, taping the affected toe and a reduction in direct contact.
Bespoke insoles (orthotics) may be well worth the investment also.
If it's suspected, early stage treatment involves wearing stiff-soled shoes, taping the affected toe and a reduction in direct contact.
Bespoke insoles (orthotics) may be well worth the investment also.
