The plantar plate is an area under the bottom of the foot on the base of the joint capsule that encapsulates the metatarsophalangeal joints of the smaller toes. It is a robust ligament system that gives firmness to the joint and also is a connection portion of additional ligaments that encircle the joint. At times this thickened ligament can get overused, which typically gets known as plantar plate dysfunction. Sometimes it will develop into a tiny split inside the structure and can come to be very uncomfortable simply to walk upon. This is called a 'plantar plate tear'. It's a relatively common musculoskeletal injury of the feet.
Typically, it is painful plantar to and just in front of the metatarsal joints to walk on and also when the region is touched firmly. When weight bearing the toe of the affected metatarsophalangeal joint is typically a little raised. There are many specialized tests or motions that podiatrists are able to do on the toe to examine the stability, biomechanics and strength of the plantar plate and to determine just how bad the partial tear is actually. The explanation for a plantar plate tear is not commonly very evident, but there are a number of risk factors which do increase the risks of having it, however primarily it is because of too much use with an excessive amount of flexing of the joint. A weird sense that quite a few due to this ailment explain is a feeling of their own sock bunched up under the toes, however when they look at its not.
A sensible way to deal with a plantar plate tear is to have the diagnosis right. It is obvious clinically. An ultrasound evaluation can be used to decide the magnitude with the split and ensure the diagnosis. The usual primary treatment approach is to use taping for a plantar plate tear that is meant to hold the joint in a plantarflexed pose to restrict the level of flexing with the toe when walking. A metatarsal pad that's positioned just posterior to the uncomfortable area can certainly be useful to help lessen the stress. A stiffer or less flexible soled shoes or footwear having a rocker can also be used to help restrict the strains on the plantar plate. Should this is done properly, your plantar plate tear will commonly get better after a while. If this doesn't work then an operative repair with the partial tear may be an option.