According to The American Dancer, the official online magazine for USA Dance, Inc., 81% of adults have experienced foot pain in their lives, including a plantar plate tear.

Many people may suffer from a tear without understanding which area it affects and signs that there’s a problem. If you don’t know what to look for, you could put unnecessary pressure on it and this could develop into a bigger issue.

Luckily, we’ve got the answers you’re searching for. Here are five plantar plate tear symptoms everyone should know.

What Is a Plantar Plate Tear?

Before we dive into the key foot injury symptoms, it’s important to cover what a plantar plate tear is. If you’re unfamiliar, the plantar plate is a thick layer of tissue at the bottom of the foot. The pain starts there and eventually spreads into the toes, so you feel it with every step.

Common foot pain causes in this area include suddenly pushing your toes upwards, walking for too long, and even the wrong footwear.

5 Common Symptoms

Once you know which area is affected, it’ll be easier to spot metatarsalgia signs, or pain in the ball of your foot. The key is to treat your foot promptly to prevent it from worsening and guarantee a speedy recovery. Look out for:

1. Pain

Regardless of whether you’re dealing with toe joint issues or a toe ligament injury, the biggest sign is throbbing or a sharp pain. Patients describe it as if you’re walking directly on the bone at the ball of your foot. The pain worsens when you do activities requiring the front foot, such as walking and running.

2. Swelling

A common sign of a plantar plate tear is swelling.

You’ll notice swelling around the affected area and it’s inflamed because of tissue damage. The best way to ease the discomfort is to apply an ice pack for 20 minutes, four times a day. You should also avoid intensive physical activities and consider using shoe inserts for additional support.

3. Bruising and Redness

If there is bruising or redness in the area. These are often the result of trauma. Note, you’ll notice these symptoms mainly at the top of the foot.

4. Toe Misalignment

Patients may notice that their second toe looks elevated compared to their other toes. It’s also common to see a “V” shape form between the second and third toes. If you don’t seek treatment, the toes may become permanently misaligned, so you must schedule an appointment with your physician.

5. Stiffness

A torn plantar plate will make your foot feel stiff. When this happens, it’s harder to go about your daily life because you have less range of motion. You’ll also experience discomfort when walking or running, which shows how crucial treatment is.

Plantar Plate Tear Symptoms 101

Now that you’re an expert on plantar plate tear symptoms, you’ll know when something is amiss and it’s time for treatment. The key is to find a reputable practice in your area that can offer excellent care.

At Flint Foot and Ankle Institute, we pride ourselves on providing the best foot and ankle restoration services, helping patients enjoy a better quality of life. Dr. Flint specializes in foot pain and is passionate about restoring his patients’ health.

If you’re in Boise, Idaho, and are struggling with foot pain, we’re here for you. Schedule an appointment with us and we’ll get back to you shortly.