Turf Toe

Turf toe is a sprain of the ligament complex at the base of the big toe, occurring when the joint forcibly bends upward beyond its normal range of motion.

Symptoms

• Sharp pain and tenderness at the base of the big toe
• Swelling, stiffness, and localized bruising
• Difficulty bearing weight or pushing off the foot

Causes

Hyperextending the big toe, often caused by pushing off forcefully into a sprint or having the foot pinned to the ground while the heel lifts.

Risk Factors

• Playing sports on artificial turf or hard athletic surfaces
• Wearing flexible, soft-soled athletic footwear lacking forefoot support
• Participating in high-impact activities like football, soccer, gymnastics, or dance

Diagnosis

Premier Orthopaedics specialists evaluate toe stability through physical examinations and use digital X-rays or MRI scans to rule out fractures and assess ligament damage.

Treatment

• Non-Surgical: Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), taping, anti-inflammatory medication, and custom orthotics or supportive boots.
• Surgical: Minimally invasive or reconstructive repair reserved for severe ligament tears or joint instability.