The plantar plate is a fibrous like framework which is found on the plantar side of the metatarsophalangeals (toe) joints of the feet. Structurally they are like the meniscus within the knee which means these are made to withstand a great deal of compressive forces and support the joint surfaces. It's really a a thickening of the plantar surface of the joint capsule which surrounds that joint to keep the joint fluid in the joint. Almost all the fibers in it are oriented longitudinally in the identical direction as the foot points, so it can hold up against a lot of tension forces. The collateral ligaments on both sides of the joint also attach to the plantar plate, to help provide the joint improved stability. The role of the plantar plate is to try to support the weight of the body and restricts dorsiflexion at the metatarsophalangeal joint.
Since this plantar plate was designed to tolerate those great forces, from time to time the forces can be so great or the tissues weakens for several possible explanations, it might turn out to be painful or even have a tiny split in it. This isn't ordinarily something which occurs suddenly and builds up gradually with time. The discomfort is usually on weightbearing beneath the joint at the base of the toe. Palpation of this location is invariably quite painful. Often the diagnosis may be validated by having an ultrasound evaluation. Previously the symptoms could have just been disregarded as a metatarsalgia which isn't truly a diagnosis and simply signifies pain throughout the metatarsals. Now more is known concerning this plantar plate and just how it produces symptoms, the procedure can be far better directed to make it better. The important thing to fixing this concern is to reduce force on the plantar plate and to do this the toe needs to be held in a plantarflexed location with strapping. This usually manages most cases. Most cases of a plantar plate tear do not heal by itself.