The plantar plate is a thick fibrous structure located in the ball of the foot. It is attached to the toe and the head the corresponding metatarsals.
The plantar plate plays an important role in keeping the toes in place, stopping them from drifting or over-extending. Plantar plate injuries are not uncommon and are often associated with toe deformities.
Patients usually notice pain and swelling on the ball of their foot. The toes can also become dislocated at the mpj since there is nothing holding the toe in its anatomic position any more. Pain is described as sharp with ambulation and it is of dull nature during rest. The associated toe deformities can often lead to arthritis of the adjacent bones. Although acute injuries (turf toe) are not uncommon, most often the presentation of symptoms is chronic in nature.
X-rays are taken in the office to assess the deformity. They usually show associated toe deformities that can range from hammer toes to dislocated toes. Structural abnormalities are also identified such as elevated 1st metatarsal or a long 2nd metatarsal. MRI is the gold standard test that confirms the diagnosis.
Conservative treatment includes protected weight-bearing initially to calm soft tissue down along with Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Custom orthotics are also utilized to correct biomechanical abnormalities.
When such measures fail, surgical correction of this injury is considered. This procedure entails identifying the tear surgically and performing a primary repair of the plantar plate. Usually the associated abnormalities are also corrected. This includes shortening osteotomy of the 2nd metatarsal and hammer toe correction of the corresponding digit.
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Our doctor, specialize in Trauma/Injury/Fractures, Diabetic Foot Care, Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery, Pediatric Foot Care, Wound Care,, Arthritic Foot & Ankle, Custom Orthotics, Geriatric Foot Care, Ingrown Nails, Fall Prevention, Hammertoes, Sports Medicine, Bunions, Fungal Nails, Foot & Ankle Pain, and Flatfoot.
Dr. Martins has been trained in both Canada and the United States, mastering the art of foot and ankle surgery.
Podiatry services are covered by most insurance plans. We understand the process of submitting your claim and have the expertise to ensure rapid submission of your claim. For most patients, the experience of having their medical treatments paid for by the insurance company is an effortless and smooth process.
We also take Visa, Mastercard, Debit, Discover, Check and Cash. All Service and Products HSA or Flex spending accounts can be used. Receipt will be provided. We do not accept Medicaid as a secondary to PPO/ HMO or any combined medicare plans.
For our patient’s convenience, we offer our service for Plantar plate repair in Adrian, MI, Plantar plate repair in Ann Arbor, MI, and Plantar plate repair in Jackson, MI locations. We have our own digital x-ray, MRI, Cat-scan, and ultrasound equipment at many of our podiatry clinics. Our on-site podiatric physical therapy clinics allow for constant communication between the physicians and physical therapists, ensuring the most effective therapy and successful recovery for our patients.