The plantar plate is a crucial ligament located at the joint between the toe bones and the foot bones, important for weight bearing and balance. Football players, individuals with foot conditions like bunions or flat feet, and women who wear high heels are at a higher risk for plantar plate tears, which can significantly impact mobility. Treatment options include rest, ice, orthotics, and preventive measures to manage and alleviate discomfort.

1. PLANTAR PLATE TEAR
WHAT IS THE
PLANTAR PLATE?
The plantar plate, a ligament in
the foot, plays important role in
both weight bearing and bal-ance.
The plantar plates are
located where the toe bones, or
phalanges, meet the bones in
the foot, or metatarsals.
WHO’S AT RISK
OF A PLANTAR PLATE TEAR?
Football players are more
prone to plantar plate tears
due to the aggressive motions
and impacts associated with
the sport.
Foot conditions like bunions
and flat feet can increase
chances of a Plantar Plate
Tear.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
75
75 percent of Americans will
have foot health problems at
some point in their lives.
50
When walking, as you lift your
heel you put more than half
your body weight on your toes.
THE NUMBERS
25
25 percent of all the bones in
the body are located in your
feet, 52 of them.
Rest and ice can help decrease the inflammation.
Orthotics like shoe inserts, can help prevent PPTs
and take pressure off overstressed areas of the foot.
PREVENTION
AND THE HEALING PROCESS
A tear in the plantar plate can cause
extreme discomfort when walking or
pushing up on the toes.
Women have almost four times
as many foot problems as men.
Wearing high heels is quite
likely the culprit.
SOURCES
http://www.weil4feet.com/patients/education/plantar-plate-tear.php
http://ipma.net/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=15