Is a Plantar Plate Tear Causing Your Foot Pain?

If you’re experiencing persistent pain in the ball of your foot, especially near the base of your second or third toe, you could be suffering from a plantar plate tear—a condition that’s commonly misdiagnosed as a neuroma, capsulitis, or metatarsalgia. Left untreated, this often-overlooked injury can lead to worsening pain, joint instability, and long-term toe deformity.

At the Manhattan office of Dr. Stuart J. Mogul, DPM, FACFAS, a leading foot and ankle surgeon in NYC with over 25 years of experience, patients receive expert evaluation and personalized treatment for complex foot conditions, including plantar plate tears. Accurate diagnosis and prompt intervention are key to avoiding chronic discomfort and regaining normal foot function.

What Is a Plantar Plate Tear?

The plantar plate is a small, thick ligament located at the base of the toe joints (metatarsophalangeal joints). It acts as a stabilizer, helping keep the toes aligned and preventing them from drifting upward or sideways.

When the plantar plate becomes stretched, torn, or ruptured, typically due to overuse, biomechanical stress, or trauma, it can no longer support the toe joint. This leads to symptoms that may mimic other forefoot conditions, making the diagnosis challenging without a foot specialist’s evaluation.

Common symptoms of a plantar plate tear include:

• Persistent pain in the ball of the foot, especially near the second toe
• A feeling of walking on a “pebble” or something bunched under the toe
• Swelling or tenderness on the top or bottom of the foot
• Toe drifting (usually the second toe starts moving toward the big toe)
• Instability in the toe when walking
• Pain that worsens when barefoot or with activity

According to clinical studies, plantar plate injuries are one of the leading causes of second metatarsophalangeal joint instability, especially in women aged 40–60, runners, and individuals with high arches, bunions, or hammertoes.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk for a plantar plate tear:

• Having a hammer toe
• Having a bunion
• Repetitive forefoot stress (e.g., runners, dancers)
• Poor-fitting shoes (tight heels or high heels)
• Biomechanical imbalances, including flat feet or bunions
• Foot trauma or injury
• Age-related degeneration of foot ligaments

Because the symptoms often mimic other foot conditions, many patients go misdiagnosed or untreated for months, allowing the problem to worsen.

Treatment Options

Dr. Stuart J. Mogul provides both non-surgical and surgical treatments depending on the severity of the tear and the patient’s activity level and lifestyle goals.

Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Custom orthotics to offload pressure from the ball of the foot
• Toe taping or splinting to realign and stabilize the joint
• Anti-inflammatory medications or injections
• Physical therapy to improve foot mechanics and strength
• Activity modification and footwear adjustments

Surgical Treatment:

For more severe tears or when conservative care fails, surgical repair of the plantar plate may be required. Dr. Mogul is a nationally recognized surgeon in minimally invasive foot procedures, which reduce recovery time and restore foot alignment and function.

Why Choose a Foot Specialist?

Only a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon can accurately diagnose a plantar plate tear using a combination of physical exam, gait analysis, and advanced imaging like MRI or diagnostic ultrasound. A misdiagnosis can lead to prolonged pain and worsening toe deformities such as crossover toe or hammertoe.

Dr. Stuart J. Mogul is a trusted expert in complex foot conditions and treats elite athletes, performers, and active individuals who depend on their feet every day. He understands the urgency of getting you back to full mobility with as little downtime as possible.

Expert Care in the Heart of Manhattan

If you suspect your foot pain may be due to a plantar plate tear—or if previous treatments haven’t helped—don’t wait. Early intervention can prevent joint deterioration and improve your chances for full recovery.

Contact the practice of Dr. Stuart J. Mogul in NYC today to schedule a comprehensive foot evaluation. Whether you need a second opinion or a clear path to healing, expert care is just one step away.