Plantar Plate Sprain in Runners

If you are a runner and you have pain in the ball of the foot there are really only a few conditions that could be causing the trouble. This episode will be the second of a three part series that explains all of the things you need to think about if you’re a runner seeking treatment for any of these problems. Last week talked about neuroma treatment in runners. Today I’m going to explain a little bit about another condition which is in almost the exact same location as a neuroma.

The plantar plate is a small ligament on the bottom of the joints located in the ball of the foot. It is really just a thickening of the joint capsules. Because the plantar plate is located between the heads of the metatarsal bones and the ground, you’re basically standing on the plantar plate whenever you walk or run. If the ligament comes sprained it can be very painful. Often times, runners and even some doctors confuse a plantar plate sprain with a Morton’s neuroma.