How Do I Repair a Plantar Plate?

Injuries to the plantar plate, the thick fibrous structure that supports the underside of the metatarsal foot, commonly occur as a result of overuse. Known as metatarsalgia, plantar injuries cause pain in the forefoot. Athletes partaking in high-impact sports involving the lower extremities expose themselves to a high risk for foot injuries. According to WebMD, track and field runners absorb 110 tons per foot while running a mile, making them especially at risk for forefoot injury. Those with plantar pain should seek treatment as metatarsalgia often occurs as a symptom of other problems such as neuromas, stress fractures or arthritis.



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Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Pressure bandage
• Running orthotics

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Instructions

Initial Treatment

• 1

  Apply ice to the inflamed area immediately after injury. Wrap the injured area in a pressure bandage and continue to ice regularly in order to reduce inflammation.

• 2

  Stay off the injured foot for the first 24 hours after the injury occurs. Bearing weight on the injury will disrupt the initial healing process.

• 3

  Decrease your level of activity. Perform stretching and strengthening exercises carefully and refrain from rigorous exercise. For athletes who may want to continue despite the pain, remember to rest and rehabilitate rather than risk re-injury.

Rehabilitation

• 4

  Initiate strengthening with isometric, isotonic and isokinetic exercises. These exercises isolate and restore specific muscles weakened by the injury. Strengthening may begin as simple range of motion exercises and gradually progress to active exercise.

• 5

  Wear an orthotic device as the inflammation subsides. These inserts distribute weight away from the injury as you continue self-mobilizing exercises that increase strength and range of motion.

• 6

  Do not return to your athletic activity until the complete restoration of flexibility, strength and aerobic fitness to the injured area.