Plantar Plate Tear Exercises
Read More >
A Plantar Plate Tear is the result of an overload of the Plantar Plate which is based in the ball of your foot. The Plantar Plate is a strong ligament that connects the 2-5th toes but when it becomes injured it can compromise the stability of the toes of the foot. The main treatment options for a Plantar Plate Tear are the correct shoes, taping and Physical Therapy. This article will provide our recommendations for shoes if you have a Plantar Plate Tear and a recommendation for a walker boot that is required to help recovery in some cases.
James McCormack is a Physical Therapist who specialises in knee, foot & ankle injuries. www.james-mccormack.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The money earned from this helps us to create free educational content.
Related Article: What is a Plantar Plate Tear?
The best shoes for a Plantar Plate Tear should have a stiff sole, wide toe box and low drop height with a soft shell. The stiff sole is the most important aspect as it reduces the amount of extension available to the toes while the wide toe box prevents compression of the toes, both of these factors facilitate recovery from a Plantar Plate Tear. The low drop height reduces the amount of pressure on the forefoot when standing and slows the speed of weight transfer onto the forefoot when walking or running.
We recommend the New Balance Womens Running FuelCell RC Elite due to their carbon fibre plate, mesh shell and wide fit.
The carbon fibre plate provides adequate stiffness to protect a Plantar Plate Tear while the wide fit prevents compression of the toe within the toe box of the shoe.
The mesh shell allows the toes to spread, reducing the risk of compression.
Buy NowWe recommend the ASICS Women’s GlideRide Running Shoes for daily wear and running if you have a Plantar Plate Tear due to the rocker sole, wide fit and 5mm heel drop.
The rocker sole facilitates a normal push-off when walking without requiring full toe extension. The wide fit prevents compression within the shoe.
The 5mm heel drop reduces pressure on the forefoot when standing and delays the speed of weight transfer to the forefoot when walking or running.
Buy NowIf you have been recommended to purchase a medical boot for a Plantar Plate Tear by your consultant, then we recommend the Draco Medical Boot.
It has a square toe box that allows your toes to spread.
The footbed is stiff to prevent toe extension, while there is a slight raise at the toe box to facilitate walking short distances.
Buy NowThis is not medical advice. We recommend a consultation with a medical professional such as James McCormack. He offers Online Physiotherapy Appointments.
Related Articles:
Plantar Plate Tear: Symptoms & Treatment
Plantar Plate Tear: FAQs
Best Exercises for Plantar Plate Tear
What conditions cause ball of foot pain?