Plantar Plate Injuries

Plantar plate injuries, ranging in severity from mild to severe and crippling, are common among athletes.  Dr. Joseph Hall, DPM,  and the outstanding team at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic diagnose and treat plantar plate laxity and tears to restore foot health and mobility. Schedule an evaluation at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic by calling Dr. Joseph Hall, DPM (Foot and Ankle Specialist) at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic in Mill Creek, WA or using the online booking feature today.

What is plantar plate laxity?

Plantar plate laxity, or plantar plate tears, involve the plantar plate of the foot. This plate is a ligament in the ball of the foot that connects the toes to your foot. When the plantar plate tears, toe instability can develop, and the affected toe moves out of its ideal alignment. Such tears commonly occur in the joint of the second toe. 

Which symptoms can plantar plate laxity and tears cause?

Plantar plate injuries can cause the following symptoms:

• Subtle pain under the affected toe
• Sharp pain in the ball of the foot
• Dull aching 
• Discomfort that worsens with specific activities
• Swelling or knot in the affected area
• Feeling like you’re walking on marbles
• Second toe moves toward or overlaps with the big toe
• V-shaped space between the third and second toes
• Affected toe raises above the ground
• Trouble with gripping the affected toe
• Difficulty fitting into shoes
• Affected toe changes its position 

Hammertoe may also develop because of plantar plate injuries.

What may increase the risk of plantar plate laxity?

Plantar plate injuries may appear because of the following:

• Second toe is longer than the surrounding toes
• Shoes force the affected toe to bend in a specific way
• Overload of pressure on the metatarsophalangeal (MPJ) joint 
• Playing sports

However, the exact cause of the injury isn’t always clear.

How are plantar plate laxity and tears diagnosed?

Diagnosing plantar plate injuries often requires a review of your medical history and symptoms. The foot and ankle specialists at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic examine your feet and toes, move the affected toe, and may order X-rays, an MRI, or another imaging procedure. 

How are plantar plate laxity and tears treated?

The best treatment for plantar plate laxity and tears depends on the severity of the injury. The Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic experts tailor a plan that’s best suited for your needs. It may consist of:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Taping/bandaging the toe
• Medications
• Stiff-soled shoes
• Orthotics
• Wearing wider shoes
• Toe splints
• Physical therapy 
• Surgery

Surgery, particularly plantar plate repair or tendon transfer, may be indicated if your toe is still painful or deformed after nonsurgical interventions. 

Treatment for plantar plate injuries might take a few weeks or months before you fully recover.

Schedule an evaluation at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic by phone or request one online today if you suspect you or a loved one has plantar plate laxity or a tear.