A plantar plate tear or strain is a common problem that causes pain in the ball of the foot. The pain is usually right under or just in front of the metatarsophalangeal joint of one or more toes. It is almost always due to overuse. The most common treatment is strapping to hold the toe in a plantarflexed position. It is common asked in forums and in social media about what exercises can be done for a plantar plate tear. Firstly, the mainstay of the treatment is the strapping, probably a metatarsal pad and maybe a stiff soled shoe. Secondly, there is next to no research on the affect of exercises for this condition. The exercises will probably be of some help, but in comparison to the other treatment options that help will not be great.
That does not mean do not do the exercises as even if they do not help the plantar plate tear, they will help your overall foot health and conditioning, so they may be just worth it for that reason.
What exercises are useful?
There are many recommendations for exercises for plantar plate tears.