Plantar Plate Injuries
What Are Plantar Plate Injuries?
Plantar plate injuries involve damage or tearing of the strong ligament-like structure located beneath the ball of the foot, most commonly under the second toe. If left untreated, this condition can lead to pain, instability, and even toe deformity. At JS Podiatry in East Perth, we specialise in diagnosing and treating plantar plate injuries so you can return to comfortable, active living.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of a plantar plate injury include:
Pain or tenderness under the ball of the foot, especially beneath the second toe
Swelling or bruising at the base of the toe
Feeling of instability or “giving way” in the toe
Worsening pain when walking barefoot or in flexible shoes
Development of a “floating” or deviated toe
Early assessment and treatment are crucial to prevent further damage and restore normal foot function.
Causes and Risk Factors
Plantar plate injuries may result from:
Repetitive overload or excessive pressure on the ball of the foot
High-impact activities, running, or jumping
Wearing high heels or unsupportive footwear
Biomechanical issues like bunions, hammertoes, or long second toes
Diagnosis
At JS Podiatry, our experienced podiatrists perform a thorough assessment, including medical history, physical examination, and gait analysis. Diagnostic imaging (such as ultrasound or MRI) may be recommended to confirm the injury and assess its severity.
Treatment Options
We offer a range of evidence-based treatments for plantar plate injuries, including:
Footwear Advice: Guidance on supportive shoes to reduce pressure on the forefoot.
Custom Orthotics: Devices designed to offload the injured area and correct biomechanical issues.
Padding and Taping: To support the toe and relieve pain.
Activity Modification: Recommendations to limit aggravating activities during recovery.
Shockwave Therapy: To stimulate healing and reduce inflammation in some cases.
Rehabilitation Exercises: To restore strength, stability, and range of motion.
Referral for Specialist Care: For severe or chronic cases, we coordinate with trusted foot and ankle specialists.
Why Choose JS Podiatry?
Our East Perth team is experienced in managing plantar plate injuries with a personalised, holistic approach. We focus on long-term relief, restoring foot function, and helping you safely return to your normal activities.
Book an Appointment
Don’t let forefoot pain or toe instability slow you down. Contact JS Podiatry today for expert assessment and tailored treatment for plantar plate injuries.
FAQs:
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A plantar plate injury involves damage or tearing of the strong ligament-like structure located on the ball of the foot. This structure supports the metatarsophalangeal joints (MTP), which connect the metatarsal bones to the toes.
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Causes include overuse, repetitive activities (especially high-impact sports like running or jumping), trauma (such as a fall or sudden force), improper footwear, and foot structure conditions like flat feet or high arches
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Common symptoms include sharp or aching pain in the ball of the foot, especially when walking or standing; localized swelling in the forefoot area; tenderness at the MTP joints; and in more severe cases, a "cock-up" toe deformity may develop.
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Diagnosis typically involves a medical history review, physical examination to assess tenderness and range of motion, and imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs to confirm the injury and assess the extent of damage
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Treatment options may include rest, ice application, footwear modifications, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and in severe cases, surgical intervention to repair the plantar plate.
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Prevention focuses on optimizing foot function and reducing abnormal stresses to the plantar plates. This includes wearing properly fitting shoes, avoiding high heels, and addressing any foot deformities or biomechanical issues.
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If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or deformity in the ball of your foot, it's important to consult a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent further complications.