Footnotes / Blog
What Is Turf Toe?
Turf toe is a term commonly heard in the sports world, especially when discussing injuries related to artificial turf. This injury specifically refers to a sprain of the big toe joint caused by excessive upward bending. The forceful bending typically occurs when the foot sticks to artificial turf while the big toe joint moves upward, leading to injury. While turf toe is often associated with sports, it can happen to anyone involved in activities that stress the big toe joint.
Symptoms of Turf Toe
The symptoms of turf toe vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common signs include:
- Pain: Particularly at the base of the big toe.
- Swelling: In the affected area around the joint.
- Limited Movement: Difficulty moving the big toe or experiencing stiffness.
In cases of acute injury, the symptoms appear instantly, following a sudden force. Chronic wear and tear over time can also cause gradual symptoms due to repetitive stress on the joint.
Diagnosis of Turf Toe
Your doctor will begin by performing a clinical exam to assess the stability and range of motion of the affected big toe joint. The unaffected foot may be checked for comparison.
If a fracture is suspected, X-rays may be ordered, but turf toe is typically a soft tissue injury that does not show up on X-rays.
Treatment for Turf Toe
Non-Surgical Treatment
In most cases, non-surgical treatment is effective for turf toe. The initial treatment plan often includes the R.I.C.E. method:
- Rest: Avoid putting pressure on the injured toe.
- Ice: Apply ice to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Use a compression bandage to control swelling.
- Elevation: Keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling.
For minor injuries, wearing a stiff-soled shoe helps provide additional support and minimizes toe movement.
For more severe cases, the toe joint may need to be immobilized in a walking boot to allow the ligaments and soft tissues to heal. Physical therapy may also be needed to regain full range of motion and joint stability once healing has occurred.
Surgical Treatment
In cases of severe injury, such as significant ligament tearing or fractures of the big toe joint, surgery may be required. The type of procedure and recovery time depend on the extent of the injury and may include repair of torn ligaments or the treatment of fractures.
Visit Innovative Foot & Ankle for Turf Toe Treatment
If you’ve injured your big toe joint and suspect it might be turf toe, it’s essential to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The licensed podiatrists at Innovative Foot & Ankle specialize in diagnosing and treating turf toe. Dr. Kaufman, Dr. Rallatos, Dr. Visperas, Dr. Gonzales, and Dr. Anthony are available to provide expert care for your injury. Our four offices in Northern New Jersey are open with flexible hours to accommodate your needs.