What is the plantar plate?
The plantar plate is a tough fibrocartilagenous structure which attaches the proximal phalanx to the metatarsal head, going through the forefoot’s joint capsule. The plantar plate plays an important role in keeping the toes in place, stopping them from drifting or over-extending.
Can a plantar plate tear heal itself?
Will the tear heal on its own? The tear often occurs in degenerate tissue and is unlikely to heal. The pain may subside over 6 months. If a deformity of the toe has developed this will not correct.
What is plantar plate repair?
Plantar plate repair is a type of podiatric surgery that corrects damage to a torn or sprained plantar plate. The plantar plate is a fibrous ligament located in the ball of your foot that supports the metatarsophalangeal joints. Often, plantar plate injuries occur to general wear-and-tear.
What causes plantar plate tear?
Causes. A plantar plate tear can occur due to running in shoes that fit poorly, walking barefoot, or participating in high-loading and high-impact exercises. Direct, repetitive impact forces the toe to bend excessively, which increases pressure on the plantar plate.
How successful is plantar plate surgery?
On the physical exam, the patients had alleviation of pain and restoration of stability to the second MPJ. Flint and colleagues recently published a dorsal approach outcomes study. This is a prospective case series of 138 plantar plate repairs in 97 patients. Eighty percent of patients had good to excellent results.
How long does a plantar plate take to heal?
Restoring the plantar plate can take time, with the majority of patients pain-free within 3-4 months. The initial symptoms do improve faster, allowing most people to return to regular activity within one month.
Can you walk with a plantar plate tear?
A plantar plate tear takes longer to heal than most injuries because of the force of the entire body’s weight on it during normal walking. Non-weight bearing for 6-8 weeks is the optimal treatment for a plantar plate tear.
Can you walk after plantar plate surgery?
First 2–4 days after surgery This is the time you are likely to have the most pain, but you will be given painkillers to help. You must rest completely for 2–4 days. You will be able to stand and take weight on your non-operated foot after the operation, but you must rest, with your feet up, as much as possible.
What happens if a plantar plate tear is left untreated?
Untreated plantar plate tears can even lead to hammertoes, arthritis, and other painful long-term problems. If you’ve noticed pain in the ball of your foot and your second toe “popping up” or drifting out of alignment, give us a call.