The plantar plate is an important structure of the first
metatarsophalangeal joints in the foot. The plantar plate is
part of the plantar fascia and is a thickening of the plantar
aspect of the joint capsule. Plantar plate dysfunction is a
common cause of pain under the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
Ultrasound often demonstrates a plantar plate tear that may need
surgical repair. The treatment of a plantar plate dysfunction is
initially to use something like a metatarsal pad or strapping to
plantarflex the toe to allow it to heal. Often a metatarsal pad
may need to be used long term.