Swelling and pain in toe for 3 mos. doc said plantar plate tear, but now having same issue in a toe on the other foot. what else could it be? gout?

Probably not: Gout is an intensely inflammatory and painful arthritis usually involving the base of the great toe. It resolves even without treatment over a period of 1-2 weeks as a rule. I also do not buy the plantar plate tear diagnosis. Get another opinion. If needed an MRI can be a helpful diagnostic tool.

TWO WAYS TO DX: Clinically, did your dr. perform a dorsal drawer (Lachman) test of the toe/MPJ? What are the results? Secondly, an MRI can be helpful. I have also done an arthrogram of the affected MPJ, but now depend upon the first two more often.