A plantar plate tear is a pretty prevalent problem that creates pain underneath the ball of the feet. It is considered the end phase of a strain on the ligament underneath the joint that progresses to a tear when there is no treatment done. The main cause of this condition is simply overuse. If that ligament beneath the joint get used too much with high activity levels, it will initially come to be painful and then progress to a tear. The symptoms are usually underneath and in front of the metatarsal head underneath the ball of the foot. They are made worse with larger amounts of exercise.
The simplest way to treat a plantar plate tear is by using taping to hold the toe in a plantarflexed placement hence the strain is taken off the ligament and it is given an opportunity to get better. It is usually a bit annoying to keep strapping the toe daily that may take several months to fully get better. Because of this, there are a variety of different types of braces which they can use. They might be not quite as beneficial as the strapping, but they will be more than effective if taping may be used during the early stages. This will likely need to be continued for a few months to have a good outcome. Insoles in the shoes with metatarsal domes may also be used to help secure the toe plantarflexed. If standing is uncomfortable, then pads on the insole enable you to keep weight of the painful place and at least that will make it tolerable while healing takes place. Usually this can help. From time to time some anti-inflammatory medicines and also the use of ice may be needed if a plantar plate tear gets too painful may be required. If this strategy does not work, then surgical treatments have to be considered to mend the tear, but most cases of a plantar plate tear do heal on their own.