Tag: plantar plate tear

How to tape a plantar plate tear?

A plantar plate tear is a tiny tear or sprain in the ligament which is beneath the smaller toe joints in the foot. It is almost always associated with overuse, particularly in exercises which require the toes to become bent up or dorsiflexed. The pain is usually just over the area distal to the joint at the base of the foot. Since this issue is because of the toe bending to much backwards or upwards (dorsiflexing) when walking, tape is an excellent way to minimize that movement.

The best way for taping a plantar plate tear is to loop some tape around the toe to tug the toe downwards in a plantarflexed position. The ends of the strapping go under the front foot and by looping across the toe it should keep it plantarflexed. The thought being is that when we walk, and the rearfoot raises up off the floor and the toe bends there is less force on the plantar plate since the toe is stopped from bending back. By doing this the plantar plate tear taping can help the injury get better. This could require adequate time although is usually successful. Other strategies could be used to help prevent the dorsiflexion across the joint that is hurt, such as having a more rigid sole shoe which is not flexible since this can prevent excessive motion at the joints. There's also stiff plates that can be used as shoe inserts to make the footwear stiffer. A foot orthotic insert that features a hole around the uncomfortable region could also be used to get weight away from the sore location will also allow it to be more comfortable to walk on. These sorts of techniques are generally rather helpful, especially that strapping. However, as we still need to walk around on the foot rather than have complete rest, it may take a few months of this approach to obtain a good outcome. It sometimes does not work out that way or the problem is especially painful. In these cases, surgery to correct the tear can be suggested.