What is Turf Toe?
A metatarsalphalangeal joint sprain is an injury to the connective tissue between the foot and one of the toes at the base of the toe. When this injury involves the big toe, it is known as “turf toe.” This sort of injury occurs as a result of hyperextension of the toe.
Turf toe is especially common when playing sports with excellent traction, such as artificial turf. Wearing shoes with cleats that improve traction also increase the risk of injury, as do shoes with overly-flexible soles.
Treatment of Turf Toe
Turf toe is often treated by following the R.I.C.E. regimen. The toe should also be immobilized with a brace, taping to limit dorsiflexion (upward bending) of the toe, or a rigid-soled shoe that does not allow bending. Anti-inflammatory medications can also be used to reduce inflammation.
Recovery from turf toe typically takes 3-4 weeks depending on the severity of the injury. If left untreated, or if an athlete tries to return from the injury too soon, turf toe can develop into a chronic problem, potentially resulting hallux rigidus, which is essentially a “stiff” big toe with limited range of motion.
Surgery is rarely required, but could be helpful under certain circumstances. Seek the advice of a trained medical professional.
Alphabetical Index of Injuries:
» Achilles Tendon Rupture» Achilles Tendonitis
» Calf Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Concussion
» Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
» Dislocated Shoulder
» Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
» Groin Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Hamstring Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Heel Spurs (Bone Spurs)
» High Ankle Sprain (Syndesmotic Ankle Sprain)
» Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
» Little League Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
» Plantar Fasciitis
» Runner’s Knee (Chondromalacia Patellae)
» Separated Shoulder
» Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
» Shin Splints
» Sprained AC Joint
» Sprained Ankle
» Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
» Torn Rotator Cuff
» Turf Toe (Metatarsalphalangeal Joint Sprain)