Once you’ve been diagnosed with a plantar plate tear, you start searching for a treatment that’s going to help you. Since you’re in a lot of pain, you’ll probably start taking some anti-inflammatory medications. Perhaps you’re even considering if you should get yourself a pair of medical shoes. Is a walking boot good for a plantar plate tear?
Wish I could give you the exact reason why this kind of injury happens. Unfortunately, there are many different things that might lead to a plantar plate tear. If you’re into an active lifestyle, there’s a high chance that your injury is a result of pressure overload, caused by skipping, running, or jumping.
Another common reason behind a plantar plate tear is poor foot alignment, caused by increased pressure in a certain part of your feet. The wrong type of footwear can make this issue even worse, as it increases stress, and further damages your plantar plate.
Although this type of injury usually affects middle-aged women, every one of us can experience this foot trauma. One thing we can do to avoid this kind of injury or speed up its healing process is to wear the right type of footwear. Let’s see if a walking boot is a good solution for a plantar plate tear.
Symptoms of plantar plate tear that you can recognize
A plantar plate tear doesn’t sound very comfortable, and if you’re dealing with it right now, you know how painful it can get. There are some pretty obvious symptoms that might be a sign you’re experiencing this type of injury.
One of the first signs of a possible plantar plate tear is persistent pain under the ball of the foot. It’s usually accompanied by swelling, and it extends all the way up to the front part of your foot.
Some of the swelling can spread to the top part of the foot, together with the skin turning slightly red. People who deal with a plantar plate tear often describe the feeling as “walking on the bones of the foot.”
Another common and early symptom of a plantar plate tear is the changed position of your toes. As the injury gets worse, this change in your toes becomes more prominent. Look for a V shape between your toes, caused by two of them being far from one another.
Once you notice them, make sure you stop any kind of activities and visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Is a walking boot a good solution for a plantar plate tear?
By now, you should already know that our footwear plays a huge part in both preventing and dealing with certain injuries. It’s the same with a plantar plate tear.
A walking boot is a great option when you need something to keep your feet stable and secure. It provides immense aid for different kinds of injuries as it helps to heal the injury faster.
Now that you know that a walking boot can only help you with a plantar plate tear, you probably want to know which one to buy. The market is filled with different options but you have no idea which ones to go for.
Do you need a short boot or a tall one? Can you order yourself a regular walking boot online or do you first need to seek medical advice?
We’re about to help you answer these questions and let you know what are our top 3 walking boot choices for plantar plate tear.
1. DARCO Med-Surg Shoe, Post op Shoes for Broken Toe, Medical Walking shoes
If you’re looking for shoes that will provide your foot with enough protection and make enough room for your large bandages, the DARCO Med-Surg shoe might be your perfect solution. These shoes come with a square-shaped toe area, which provides additional protection for this part of your foot.
Your metatarsal bone will be rigidly controlled thanks to the patented MetaShank support of these shoes. On top of having enough room for your bandages, the special closure at the front of the shoe reduces any additional pressure that might further damage your foot.
Thanks to their treaded midfoot, these shoes come with incredible traction, while the tread at the front and back part minimizes the chances of tripping over. Its amazing sole, on the other hand, reduces pressure, making walking a lot more comfortable and less painful.
2. United Ortho Air Cam Walker Fracture Boot
When looking for a walking boot for a plantar plate tear, you’ll want it to provide you with maximum stability and support. That’s exactly what United Ortho Air Cam can do for you.
This incredible boot comes with plastic molded uprights with steel reinforcement, which enables it to provide the wearer with amazing durability. On top of that, their shock-absorbing insoles reduce the stress and impact on your heel when you’re walking.
Whether you’re dealing with an injury or you’re recovering from surgery, this boot will become your best friend. It provides stability, durability, support, and plenty of comfort.
3. United Ortho Short Air Cam Walker Fracture Boot
Just like the one we’ve mentioned before, the United Ortho Short Air Cam boot is a shorter version of the boot of the same name. Just like the taller and bulkier model, these shoes can be used for post-operative procedures, ankle sprains, soft tissue injuries, plantar plate tears, and more.
If you’re not looking for a tall boot but would rather find a low-top model that can help you in your recovery, this might be the right choice. It will provide you with just as much stability, durability, and support as the other model.
What are the best shoes for plantar plate tear that you can transition into after walking boot?
Transitioning from the walking boot to your regular footwear can be tricky. You don’t want to make the same mistake again and wear the wrong footwear, right? Let’s see some of the best shoes you can find for this situation.
1. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12
This high-quality running shoe will be a great pair for your transition from a walking boot to your regular footwear. New Balance Fresh Foam Xs come with a highly cushioned pad that will provide your feet with plenty of support and comfort, making every step you take feel like you’re walking on clouds.
The cushioning is responsive, with soft and flexible foam that absorbs shock well, protecting your feet from the impact that could lead to stress and straining of the feet and joints. These shoes will snuggle around your ankles well, with their soft, padded tongue and collar.
If you’re into running or hiking, you’ll be happy to hear that Fresh Foams come with a rubber sole that provides incredible grip and traction. This sort of stability and durability will help you avoid further injury, and make you feel a lot safer while you’re doing the things you enjoy the most.
2. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 24
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 24 shoes are a great choice for people dealing with a plantar plate tear, thanks to their special gel cushioning. The pressure points on your foot will be well-protected since this special system will absorb any kind of shock or impact.
Their breathable upper mesh is incredibly comfortable and does a great job of keeping your feet cool and dry no matter what you’re doing. Thanks to its great design, Gel-Nimbus 24 shoes are very supportive and stable, helping your feet stay in a natural alignment.
3. Brooks Glycerin Stealthfit 20
If you’ve already talked to your doctor, there’s a high chance they recommended wearing Brooks Glycerin Stealthfit 20 shoes to you. This incredibly comfortable shoe is designed with a plush and snugly fit that will provide you with the ultimate walking and running experience.
It comes with a nitrogen-infused sole, which means it’s light and super comfortable to wear. On top of that, these shoes come with a soft, responsive foam that will reduce any kind of impact on your joints and absorb shock.
This comfortable and snug shoe will help you greatly with easing your plantar plate tear pain while enabling you to live your life normally doing the things you enjoyed even before your injury.
How long does it take for a plantar plate tear to heal?
I’m sure you’re sick and tired of your plantar plate injury and you’re dreaming of the day you’re able to be on your feet without any pain or discomfort. How long it will take for you to recover depends on the severity of your injury and your post-injury care.
If you’ve started treating it on time, you probably won’t have to undergo surgery. Most of the time, surgery is only recommended as a last option, in case a patient doesn’t respond well to any other kind of treatment.
However, even without surgery, you’ll need quite some time to fully recover and heal. If your foot responds well to the treatment, the healing process might last for about a month, while some complications could prolong it up to 3-4 months.
No matter what, don’t push yourself, and be patient. Give your body enough time to fully heal, take proper care of it, and wear the right kind of footwear. You’ll be back on your feet, ready to take on the world in no time!
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