Podiatry
Plantar Plate Tear
A tear in the supportive ligament under the ball of the foot, causing forefoot pain, swelling, and drifting of the toes.
The plantar plate is a thick, supportive ligament that runs across the ball of your foot. Its job is to keep the toe bones properly aligned, protect them from over-extending upwards, and stop them from spreading apart. You can think of the plantar plate as the “glue” that keeps the front of your foot from splaying out like a fan.
When a tear occurs in this structure, that glue weakens and the toes can gradually shift out of position. If not managed properly, this can become a permanent deformity, leading to ongoing discomfort with activity and footwear. The second toe is the most frequently affected, largely because it's the longest and carries a high amount of torque force.
Risk factors
- Sports involving constant jumping, pivoting, or hard landings
- Flexible, unsupportive footwear
- Tight calf muscles
- Work environments that require lifting heavy objects
Common symptoms
- Forefoot swelling
- Bruising around the base of the toe
- Pain that worsens with walking barefoot, jumping, standing on your toes, or extending the toe
- Drifting or separation between the affected toes
Assessment & treatment
Treatment
Management typically begins with imaging to assess which structures are affected. Splinting, orthotics, and footwear changes are usually sufficient to manage mild-to-moderate cases until symptoms ease. Where imaging finds torn ligaments or broken bones, you may be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon to repair the plantar plate. Your clinician will assess your condition and form an appropriate plan, which may include:
Treatment may include:
- Crutches
- Splinting or temporary immobilisation
- Referral for imaging or to an orthopaedic surgeon
- Shockwave therapy
- Orthotics to prevent foot deformity
- Changes to footwear
How Simba Health treats Plantar Plate Tear
Our podiatry clinicians assess the cause of your symptoms and build a personalised, evidence-based plan to treat Plantar Plate Tear. With no GP referral required and initial appointments from $109, you can start care quickly at a clinic near you.
Podiatry near you
Frequently asked questions
No. You can book podiatry directly at Simba Health with no GP referral, so you can start treatment for Plantar Plate Tear without delay. Initial appointments start from $109. A referral may still help if you're claiming under a care plan.
Plantar Plate Tear is treated under our podiatry service, with initial consultations from $109 and lower follow-up fees. We keep our pricing transparent so you know what to expect before your appointment.
Our podiatry clinicians assess the underlying cause of your symptoms, then build a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan for Plantar Plate Tear. Many people start to notice improvement once the right plan is underway.
Not sure this is right for you?
Call us and we'll help you find the right service and clinician for your needs.
(02) 9188 0544