The plantar plate is an area plantar to the metatarsal heads of the foot on the base of the joint capsule that encapsulates the joints of the lessor toes. It is a tough ligament system to provide firmness for the joint and acts as a connection area of various other ligaments which surrounds these joints. Sometimes that thickened ligament may get overused, which generally gets labelled plantar plate dysfunction. At times it may develop to a tiny split in the plantar plate and may become quite painful simply to walk upon. This is known as a 'plantar plate tear'. It's a relatively common musculoskeletal injury of the foot.
Normally, it is painful under and just distal to the metatarsal joints to walk on and when the location is touched firmly. When weight bearing the toe of the affected metatarsophalangeal joint is generally a little raised. There are numerous specific tests or movements that clinicians are capable of doing on the toe to test the condition, function and durability of the plantar plate and to identify exactly how extensive the tear is. The reason for a plantar plate tear is not commonly that apparent, but there are a number of risk elements that do increase the possibility of getting it, however primarily it is on account of too much use with excessive dorsiflexion of the toe. A strange feeling that some due to this disorder refer to can be a feeling of their sock bunched up underneath the toes, however when they check out its not. There are other causes of pain in the ball of the foot that this needs to be differentiated from.
The best way to handle a plantar plate tear will be to get the diagnosis right. It is obvious clinically. An ultrasound test could be used to ascertain the magnitude of the tear and confirm the diagnosis. The typical original therapy strategy is by using strapping for a plantar plate tear that's designed to hold the joint in a plantarflexed position to limit the quantity of dorsiflexion with the joint when walking. If that is helpful, then some like the FixToe device can be used. A forefoot dome which can be positioned just posterior to the uncomfortable location will also be helpful to help minimize the strain. A firmer or less flexible soled footwear or footwear using a rocker can also be used to help control the strains on the ligament. Assuming that is done right, the plantar plate tear will usually get better gradually. In the event it doesn't necessarily help then an operative fix of the tear could possibly be contemplated.