turf toe
You Don’t Have To Play Football To Suffer This Painful Injury
Turf toe is an injury of the ligaments surrounding the big toe joint. This occurs when the big toe becomes hyperextended past its normal range of motion. While the injury is common in athletes such as football players, it can occur during any activity that requires running or jumping.
Causes
- Hyperextending the big toe joint while running
- Sudden, forceful motion of the big toe joint
- Unsupportive footwear
Symptoms
- Pain and swelling
- Limited range of motion of the big toe joint
- Inability to ‘push off’ the big toe joint
- Bruising of the big toe and/or ball of the foot
Severity of these symptoms can range from a mild inconvenience to a debilitating injury. Regardless of how painful an injury may be, it is always a good idea to seek an opinion from a foot and ankle specialist.
Diagnosis
- Physical examination of the affected foot
- Biomechanical gait evaluation
- Imaging studies such as X-ray and MRI
Upon determining the diagnosis of turf toe, our board-certified physicians will offer a variety of treatment options.
Treatment
- Rest, ice, and elevation of the foot
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen
- Taping the big toe
- Stiff-soled shoes to limit bending of the toe
- Corticosteroid injection
- Surgical repair
As with any injury, turf toe is an unwelcome event in anyone’s life. Therefore, it is important to take steps to prevent the injury from occurring in the first place.
Prevention
- Stable, supportive footwear
- Custom orthotics
- Stretching the big toe joint
About FDFAC
At FDFAC, you don’t have to be an elite athlete to receive the same level of exceptional treatment and care. Our team is committed to partnering with you, and to getting you back to the activities you love ASAP.
Life happens. Don’t wait.
