Plantar Plate Tears – Why They’re Often Misdiagnosed as Bunions

If you’ve been told you have a bunion but the pain is under your toe rather than on the side of your foot, you might actually have a plantar plate tear. This is a common injury that can be mistaken for a bunion, leading to delays in the right treatment.

At Prime Foot Clinic, we regularly see patients who’ve been struggling for months because the real cause of their pain wasn’t spotted early.

What Is the Plantar Plate?

The plantar plate is a strong ligament-like structure under the ball of your foot. It supports the base of the toes and stops them from drifting upwards or sideways. It’s especially important under the second toe, which takes a lot of pressure when you walk.

What Is a Plantar Plate Tear?

A plantar plate tear happens when this structure becomes stretched or partially torn – usually from overuse, poor footwear, or changes in foot mechanics. Symptoms can include:

• Pain under the ball of the foot, especially beneath the second toe

• Swelling or tenderness

• The second toe starting to drift upwards or towards the big toe

• Pain when walking barefoot or on tiptoes

Why It’s Often Mistaken for a Bunion

Bunions cause a bump and pain at the base of the big toe, but in some cases, the second toe pain from a plantar plate tear can mimic the discomfort of a bunion – especially if both conditions are present.

Without a detailed foot assessment, it’s easy to focus on the visible changes (like a leaning toe) and miss what’s happening underneath.

The Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis

Treating a plantar plate tear as if it were only a bunion can lead to:

• Worsening pain

• Progressive toe deformity

• Reduced function and mobility

At Prime Foot Clinic, we carry out thorough biomechanical assessments and, where needed, work alongside imaging services to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Plantar Plate Tears

• Activity modification – Reducing high-impact activities while the ligament heals

• Footwear advice – Shoes with stiff soles or a slight rocker bottom can reduce pressure

• Custom orthotics – To offload the painful area and correct foot mechanics

• Toe supports or taping – To keep the toe in the right position during healing

• Rehabilitation exercises – To strengthen and protect the forefoot

Think your “bunion” pain might be something else?
Book an assessment at our Ramsbottom, Prestwich, or Denton clinic. The right diagnosis is the first step towards walking comfortably again.