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Plantar Plate Tears

Plantar plate tears are injuries to the stabilising structure located at the ball of the foot, often caused by trauma, poor footwear, or biomechanical issues. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and toe instability. Elite Foot Care offers comprehensive treatment plans to address and manage plantar plate tears effectively on the Sunshine Coast.

What is a Plantar Plate Tear?

A plantar plate tear is a condition affecting the ligament-like structure located at the ball of the foot. Known as the plantar plate, this thick band of tissue stabilises the toes and protects the metatarsophalangeal joints from excessive movement. Tears or ruptures of the plantar plate can lead to significant pain and discomfort, primarily beneath the ball of the foot.

Morton's Neuroma - Elite Foot Care Sunshine Coast

Causes of Plantar Plate Tears

Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar plate tears, including:

  • Trauma or Injury: Direct impact or repetitive stress on the forefoot can damage the plantar plate.
  • Footwear: Wearing ill-fitting, high-heeled, or unsupportive shoes can increase pressure on the forefoot.
  • Biomechanical Issues: Structural deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or an elongated second metatarsal can predispose an individual to plantar plate injuries.
  • Overuse: Engaging in high-impact activities such as running or ballet can stress the plantar plate.

Symptoms of Plantar Plate Tears

The symptoms of a plantar plate tear often include:

  • Pain: Located beneath the ball of the foot, and often felt beneath the second toe.
  • Swelling: Inflammation and swelling at the base of the affected toe.
  • Instability: A feeling of instability around the toe joint, sometimes leading to toe deformities.
  • Dorsal Drift: The toe may start to lift or drift upward.
  • Difficulty and Pain When Walking: Pain is exacerbated by walking barefoot or on hard surfaces.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a plantar plate tear involves a combination of:

  • Physical Examination: A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to assess the range of motion, pain location, and toe stability.
  • Imaging Tests: MRI, ultrasound, or X-rays to visualise the plantar plate and other structures within the foot, and to rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options for Plantar Plate Tears

Treatment for sesamoiditis is usually non-invasive and focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving pain.

Rest: Decreasing or stopping activities that aggravate the condition to allow for healing.

Padding: In-shoe padding to offload the inflamed bones.

Elite Foot Care offer the following treatment options for plantar plate tears:

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Shockwave Therapy

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Footwear Assessment

Footwear Assessments

Elite Foot Care have access to a broad range of footwear designed for all walks of life at our Woombye and Sippy Downs locations! As part of our podiatry service, our podiatrists are able to provide you with the suitable, recommended footwear options from our own footwear store. Alternatively we

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Strapping

Foot and ankle strapping is a therapeutic technique used by podiatrists to stabilise affected areas, prevent exacerbation of injuries, and promote healing. By using high-quality, non-elastic, or elastic tape, strapping can provide temporary relief and support for various foot and ankle conditions.

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Footwear Modifications

Footwear modifications involve making specific adjustments to shoes to enhance their fit, comfort, functionality, and support. These modifications can address a range of foot and lower limb issues, helping to prevent pain and injury while promoting optimal foot health.

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Exercise Prescription

Exercise prescription using the VALD Performance Assessment system involves tailoring rehabilitation programs based on detailed biomechanical analysis. This approach allows for the design of progressive rehab programs aimed at addressing specific patient needs, optimising recovery, and enhancing overall performance.

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Prevention

Preventing plantar plate tears involves:

  • Proper Footwear: Wearing shoes that fit well and offer good arch support.
  • Avoiding High Heels: Minimizing the use of high-heeled shoes that put excess pressure on the forefoot.
  • Foot Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles of the foot and lower leg to enhance support and stability.
  • Gradual Increase in Activity Levels: Avoiding sudden increases in physical activity to prevent overuse injuries.

 

At Elite Foot Care on the Sunshine Coast, we are experts in diagnosing and treating plantar plate tears. Our experienced podiatrists offer comprehensive care plans tailored to your specific needs, focusing on effective management and recovery.

For more information about managing plantar plate tears or to book an appointment, call us on 07 5328 3588, or book online.

Jay Lewis Podiatrist - Elite Foot Care
Jarrod McGuinness Podiatrist - Elite Foot Care
Dean Taylor - Elite Foot Care
Daniel Neil - Elite Foot Care
Ajay Mahadev - Elite Foot Care Podiatrist
Gabrielle Riach - Elite Foot Care

Our Therapists

Our team of Podiatrists have decades of experience treating all hip, knee, leg, ankle, foot and heel pain as well as a range of skin and nail conditions including ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections and more.

They share a passion for helping the community stay strong and active, helping them achieve their ultimate health outcomes. 

Their experience combined with the best treatment technologies available, allow us to achieve the best outcomes for our community.

Benefits of a personalised treatment plan

Reduced Pain

Using the worlds best treatment technology and methods, we can accelerate your recovery to achieve your ultimate health outcome sooner.

Increased Strength

With a prescribed exercise rehab program, your surrounding muscles will strengthen and take the load off your affected tissue. The result is lasting pain relief.

Become More Active

Working with your Podiatrist to complete your personalised treatment plan, you'll be able to do more of the things you love with friends and family.

How it works

1. Schedule an Appointment

Book online or call one of our friendly reception staff on 07 5328 3588 to find a time that suits you.

2. We Handle the Details

Our experienced Podiatrists will diagnose, create a custom treatment plan and treat in the very first session.

3. Be More Active With Less Pain

Spend more time with your family and friends being active and doing the things you love.

What you'll get...

Experienced Podiatrists

Our Podiatrists have decades of experience treating an array of conditions.

Comprehensive Consultations

Our Podiatrists will leave no stone unturned in finding the root cause of your issue.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Our Podiatrists will create a truly custom treatment plan to achieve your ideal outcomes.

Communication

Our Podiatrists will clearly explain your condition, providing insight into its nature and treatment options.

Best Treatment Technology

We utilise state-of-the-art treatment technologies including: Shockwave Therapy, 3D Laser Scanners, Lunula Fungal Nail Laser to provide our patients with the best possible care. 

On-site Manufacturing

Our on-site orthotics manufacturing lab allows us to do same or next day orthotic dispenses.

Begin your journey to a pain free future.

Woombye Podiatrists

4/40 Wilson Avenue, Woombye, 4559

Sippy Downs Podiatrists

19 Lakehead Drive, Sippy Downs, 4556