What is a plantar plate tear?
The plantar plate is a strong ligament under the joints at the base of the toe in the ball of the foot. It is reasonably common to strain that ligament or have a small partial tear in it.
Typically, this starts as a slight ache under the ball of the foot that can be quite painful on palpation. The toe of the affected joint also tends to lift up off the ground.
Many questions get asked in forums and message boards on how to treat this, especially if it can heal on its own. It can’t. Treatment is almost always needed. Most the best way to treat it, is with strapping:
If that conservative approach is not helpful, there surgery is often needed.