How to manage a plantar plate tear?

The plantar plate is a ligament underneath the joints at the base of the toes in the foot. A plantar plate tear happens when there's a tiny tear in this ligament. In the past this disorder could have been known as metatarsalgia, however that is a vague generic term for almost any pain within the foot associated with the metatarsals. As more become known regarding the anatomy in the forefoot and the role of the structure in various painful conditions the terms plantar plate dysfunction and plantar pate tear become better understood to refer to this condition. The condition ordinarily starts off with mild pain beneath the metatarsal head in the foot that comes on slowly. Later it could be really painful to palpation. Often, the toe may become raised because the tear will mean that the ligament has difficulties holding the toe down which is one of the purposes of this plantar plate. An ultrasound investigation could be used to verify the diagnosis.

The explanation for this problem isn't clear but it is related to too much use and overstretching of the ligament. Several foot types also appear to get this more often. The typical first solution for a plantar plate tear is commonly strapping to hold the toe down to ease the stress on the ligament that has the tear. A metatarsal pad is frequently used as well or as opposed to the taping to further alleviate strain on that ligament. Occasionally cushioning to offload the sore region may give a lot of comfort. Additionally, a inflexible soled shoe could be used to further stop the toe from bending is usually combined with the aforementioned. Generally, this treatment will have to be used for at least a few months to find out if it helps. Generally, this is useful in most cases. However, if it does not help, then surgical options have to be considered to fix the rupture.