A plantar plate tear is a pretty common problem that causes pain plantar to the ball of the foot. It is the final phase of a strain on the ligament under the joint that progresses to a tear when there is no treatment done. The cause of this disorder is simply overuse. In the event that ligament under the joint get used too much with high exercise levels, then it may initially come to be painful and then progress to a tear. The symptoms are usually beneath and in front of the metatarsal head beneath the ball of the foot. They are worsened with increased levels of activity.

The right way to deal with a plantar plate tear is to use strapping to plantarflex the toe in a plantarflexed placement hence the strain is removed from the ligament and it is given an opportunity to heal. It can be a bit annoying to keep taping the foot each day which may take several months to fully get better. For that reason, there are a number of different types of braces which you can use. They are often not quite as beneficial as the taping, however they will be more than effective if strapping is needed in the early stages. This may need to be continued for a few months to have a good result. Orthotics in the shoes with metatarsal pads may also be used to help hold the toe plantarflexed. If standing is uncomfortable, then pads on the insole enable you to maintain weight of the painful region and at least that'll make it comfortable while healing takes place. In most cases this helps. At times, some anti-inflammatory medicines and the use of ice may be needed if it gets too painful may be required. When this approach does not work, then surgical interventions have to be considered to repair the tear, but a majority of cases of a plantar plate tear do heal on their own.