What are Plantar plate injuries?
The plantar plate is a strong band of tissue that runs underneath the toe joints to prevent too much upward movement. They act to stabilise these joints. Injury to the plantar plate can cause instability and deformity.
What are the symptoms of Plantar plate injuries?
The onset of symptoms often follows an acute injury involving a forced extension of the toe. Pain on weight-bearing and often times patients will notice lateral (sideways) movement of the affected toe. This can also be a result of a chronic condition, however, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
How are Plantar plate injuries diagnosed?
Clinical examination to demonstrate instability is normally diagnostic. MRI scans can also demonstrate the injury and help to plan surgery if required.
What are my options for treatment?
In the absence of deformity, the injury can be managed non-operatively in the first instance. Aims of therapy are to address any underlying health conditions, reduce calf tightness and improve pain. Pain can be managed with a steroid injection if required. If symptoms persist and deformity is present then surgery is indicated in the active patient group. Surgery involves the reattachment of the structure to the bone from where it has been torn.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury or is experiencing pain across their lower limbs or difficulty with mobility and would like a consultant-led review, please contact us. Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of knee-related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
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Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of foot & ankle -related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
FOOT & ANKLE CONDITIONS
If you would like to learn about other foot & ankle conditions click the button below to find out more
FOOT & ANKLE TREATMENTS
If you would like to learn about other foot & ankle treatments click the button below to find out more
our specialist FOOT & ANKLE consultants
Foot & ankle care at Grosvenor Orthopaedics is lead by Mr Tim Sinnett. A graduate of Cambridge and Imperial College medical schools and leading academic and trauma consultant for Chelsea and Westminster NHS trust. He is further supported by the orthopaedic team here including other consultant surgeons, nurses and care staff.
Our team are well placed to manage and treat a diverse range of foot and ankle concerns utilising cutting edge diagnostic technology and treatment approaches, both surgical and conservative. Below is an overview of some of the conditions we treat but for a more thorough understanding please contact our team here
MR TIM SINNETT
Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Specialist in Foot and Ankle Surgery
What some of our patients say
Mrs MA
Thank you for taking care of me. You went above and beyond and I am so touched and grateful. My knee feels fine now