What do we mean by Turf Toe?

Turf Toe is the condition referring to the sprain of ligaments around the big toe joint. The injury is referred to as ‘Turf Toe’ as it generally affects the athletes who play on the artificial turf like; football, soccer or baseball players. It is also a common form of injury among the dancers.

But it does not imply that Turf Toe happens to athletes only; anyone whose big toe gets stubbed or jammed suddenly with enough force can develop this condition.

What are the causes leading to Turf Toe?

This injury occurs, when an athlete jams his toe forcefully into the ground or repeatedly pushes it off or bends it backward beyond the normal limits. Apart from these, another contributing factors to Turf Toe Include:

• Jamming of the foot on the ground, while rest of the body is pushed forward.
• Wearing soft-soled foot wears, offering little or no protection to the fore foot.
• Running and jumping on the hard artificial fields lead to the jamming of big toe and hence to the turf toe.
• Repeated sprain over the ligaments with enough sudden force can lead to turf toe.
• Body weight of the person
• Direct injury that damages the bone under the cartilage.
• Previous toe or fore foot injuries
• Positioning of the body while playing sports
• Yours ankle’s range of motion

What are the symptoms of Turf Toe?

The symptoms of Turf Toe include:

• Pain at the base of the big toe
• Tenderness in the ball of foot and big toe
• Swelling of toe and ball of foot
• Popping sound can be heard at the time of injury
• Decreased mobility
• Bruising of ball of foot and big toe
• Inefficiency to put weight on the ball of injured foot
• Failure to push off on the big toe

What are the treatment methods prescribed for Turf Toe?

The best way to treat Turf Toe is to keep the weight or pressure off the toe during the healing process. Treatment methods may include:

• RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) therapy may be administered to reduce the swelling and pain in the affected area.
• Athletes are advised to use orthotics or wear stiff soled shoes to secure the toe from more sprain or hyperextension.
• Strapping or taping of the injured toe to the other toes to provide support and stability.
• Doctors may immobilize the injured foot in a cast or special walking boot, in order to protect the affected joint

 After a period of immobility and rest, to re-establish the functioning of affected toe; physical therapists practice the following rehabilitation exercises:

• Passive range of motion exercises are performed to regain function and mobility
• Flexion and Extension exercises are performed
• Strengthening exercises like; toe raises, calf raises, squats and lunges are performed
• Conditioning and Agility exercises are performed

Contact Active Physical Therapy for the proficient treatment of any of your musculoskeletal problems or injuries. Our proficient and eminent physical therapists create customized treatment plans to help you to regain your health and agility.