Plantar plate tear is seen in a broad spectrum of patients. However for some reason its usually most often seen in ladies in their 30s and 40s. It is also commonly seen in highly active men and women who perform high impact sports such as running, tennis, hill walking and netball.

Video of the mechanics of a plantar plate tear

Plantar plate tear anatomy

The plantar plate comprises of a broad ligamentous structure with attachments which inserts into the base of our phalanges (toe bones) underneath the foot. See picture.

The plantar plates job is to;

Protect the metatarsal head from pressure

Prevent over extension of our toes.

To prevent the toes from splaying or spreading.

Poor biomechanics is the leading cause of plantar plate rupture. Over pronation causes instability in the forefoot leading to unwanted stress being placed on the plantar plate leading to a tear in its structure.

Trauma to the foot . A single traumatic event can lead to plantar plate tear.

Overuse of the foot. Plantar plate tear can occur due to high physical stress on the foot due to activities such as running, jogging or hill walking.

Poor shock absorbency. Increased shock loads through the foot due to lack of shock absorbency in footwear can increase the chances of plantar plate tear.

A dull ache is often noted under the ball of the usually (but not always) under the 2nd toe.

Swelling under the ball of the foot extending into the toe/ toes.

Swelling may also be visible on the top of one of the lesser toes making it appear ‘fatter’ than the others.

Often the most obvious symptom is a ‘daylight sign’. The patient notices that the toes have splayed and there is an obvious gap between one toe and the other. As is seen on the x-ray.

Ice packs and compression bandages are excellent to reduce pain and swelling

Plantar plate tear treatment – to restore normal function

Once the acute symptoms have settled down do nothing for 3-4 weeks to allow the plantar plate to heal.

Once the healing process has taken place it is necessary to rehabilitate the affect leg.

Below is a video showing the uses for the rehab band (whole body).

Plantar plate tear – hamstring stretches

Why stretch the hamstrings when the plantar plate is the problem? Tight hamstrings causes the knee to stay flexed throughout the gait cycle. This has the ‘knock on’ effect of overloading the front of the foot by causing early heel lift in the gait cycle. Tight hamstrings are one of the major causes of this problem that goes undetected.

Plantar plate treatment – muscle strengthening exercises

Foot muscles -strengthening

To have the best chance of a rapid recovery it is a good idea to strengthen the muscles in the foot, ankle and legs. This will help to take unwanted stress off the plantar plate structures. The single best exercise to improve strength of the muscles around the foot ankle is eccentric loading. This is usually done none weight bearing, however the use of a wobbleboard is an excellent way to strengthen muscles around the foot and ankle in a controlled and gentle manner. It also has the added benefit of improving proprioception too. Proprioception is the nerve connection from the brain to the foot. This is often damaged/ disrupted after injury and can increase the chances of injury from recurring. It can also significantly delay recovery.

Golden rule- Don’t ignore the problem, it won’t go away! If you have been afflicted by this injury it is virtually certain that you will have another attack sooner rather than later.

The way we function biomechanically is predominantly controlled by genetics, its hereditary (runs in the family).

The is the cheapest and most cost effective way for any athlete to reduce the risks of injury from occurring and to prevent re-injury is follow our checklist below. Overall costs for the average athlete will run into pennies per mile/hour of sport.

1. Check your footwear

Are your running shoes worn and in need of replacing? If so change them. Plantar plate tear can be caused by high impact forces so a good shock absorbing shoe is a must. For more advice on running trainers our running shoe advice page is worth reading. Read more->

Below are a selection of trainers that are ideal for athletes.

Trainers for a neutral or under pronating foot type

Trainers for over pronators

2. Rectify poor biomechanics with orthotics if necessary

The way your foot strikes the ground and the forces that are placed on it can have a direct effect on causing a plantar plate tear and can also delaying healing times. Check our biomechanics page for detailed information. Read more->

Bespoke Orthotics

Think you require bespoke orthotics for your plantar plate symptoms? Visit our sports podiatry clinic pages for a clinic near you.

3. Strengthen weak foot and ankle muscles

Wobbleboard exercise is a great way to strengthen foot & ankle muscles and help prevent plantar plate tear.

4. Improve shock absorbency.

Plantar plate tear can be made worse by high impact forces being directed through the forefoot, particularly in running activities. Purchasing some shock absorbing insoles is a cheap and effective way of vastly improving shock absorbency. and reducing unwanted ground reaction force. These little pads slip into the shoe and are not noticed by the athlete when partaking in sport.

Plantar plate tear injury prevention checklist summary

• Rectify Biomechanics if necessary
• Check Running shoes
• foot and ankle strengthening
• Improve shock absorbency.