Plantar plate tear of the second metatarsal phalangeal joint is a condition of the foot that is often overlooked by foot doctors. Many people have come into my office that have been treated for neuroma’s and other ball of the foot pain that have been diagnosed incorrectly. Unfortunately people have spent hundreds of dollars on orthotics and injections and physical therapy when the issue was a Plantar plate tear.

I will now go on to explain what the plantar plate of the second metatarsal phalangeal joint is and what it does. Then I will discuss the proper way to diagnose a tear of the plantar plate. After which i will discuss treatment options.

What is the plantar plate.

Above you see pictures of the second metatarsal phalangeal joint, that joint is a ball in socket joint that is surrounded by a capsule. Connected to the bottom portion of the capsule is a cushion material that the tendons slide under called the plantar plate. It is part of the padding on the bottom of the foot.

This can become injured in many ways, I find it very prevalent in runners. People with certain foot types can be more susceptible to this condition. Such as if you have a long second metatarsal , which can only be diagnosed by x ray. Also people with flat feet and excessively high arched feet can get these tears.  Ultimately this can happen to anyone. Some times orthotics can prevent them or stop them from getting worse . As well minimalist shoes can make the problem worse as well due to the lack of support in that area.

In the next blog in this series we will discuss how plantar plate tears are diagnosed and what are the treatment options. I am sure you are wondering is surgery necessary and are there ways to avoid surgery. Here at the Advanced Foot And Ankle Center Of San Diego we have thousands of patients that we have treated successfully with this condition. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

plantar plate animation