There's an odd discomfort that might occur beneath the forefoot which is frequently referred to as a sense that the sock is scrunched up under the toes, but if you looked at it, it is fine. The sense is frequently described and is frequently confusing. Most probably the actual sensation is caused by an issue with a ligament on the bottom of one or more of the metatarsophalangeal (toe) joints of the foot known as plantar plate dysfunction. About every joint, there is a strong covering named the joint capsule. Regions of each joint capsule are thicker which are the ligaments which guard and stabilise the joints. Underneath the bottom of the metatarsophalangeal joints, that joint capsule is thicker to make what is known as the plantar plate. It's possible to strain or perhaps get a small split in that plantar plate, which in turn creates that experience of a sock that seems like its scrunched up below the toes.
The symptoms usually begins gradually below the ball of the foot and could be preceded by that bizarre scrunched sock sense. The typical sign of plantar plate dysfunction is discomfort on palpation of the region of the plantar plate. An expert clinician can slowly move the joint in a manner to detect when the plantar plate is injured. A conclusive diagnosis may be done with a diagnostic ultrasound, however it's rather obvious to a competent clinician on examination. Typically the initial treatment methods are strapping to hold the toe pointing down to relieve the pressure on the plantar plate. A metatarsal pad can be commonly used to help reduce the load on the ligament. This usually will help most cases of plantar plate dysfunction and get rid of that odd sensation of a scrunched up sock beneath the ball of the foot. In the event that those conservative measures don't help, surgical repair of a partial or complete rip of the plantar plate is often undertaken.