Turf Toe – Sprain of the Big Toe

What is Turf Toe?

Turf toe is a sprain or strain of the big toe joint (medically known as the metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTP). It is located where the big toe meets the foot and is held together by ligaments, tendons, and other tissues.

When the big toe joint is hyperextended – forced beyond its normal range of motion – the ligaments around the MTP can become stretched or torn, causing a sprain. This can happen when the toe is forcefully bent upward, such as when a football player’s cleat gets caught in the turf. 

A strain occurs when the tendons or other soft tissues around the joint are stretched or torn. This can happen when the toe is forcefully dorsiflexed, such as when a ballet dancer stands on her toes.

Turf toe can range from a mild sprain or strain to a complete tear of the ligaments or tendons around the MTP. In severe cases, the joint can become dislocated.

Turf toe is a common injury in football and soccer, but it can also occur in other sports that involve running and jumping, such as basketball, tennis, and track. It can also occur in non-athletes who wear shoes that are too tight or have high heels, or who participate in activities that put stress on the MTP joint, such as dancing.

What Are the Symptoms of Turf Toe?

Turf toe can be characterized by a few main symptoms:

Pain

While usually most intense at the moment of injury, turf toe pain can range from mild to severe. It is often described as a sharp, burning sensation. In more severe cases, the pain can be intense enough to limit your ability to walk or put weight on the affected foot.

Swelling

There may be some initial swelling around the MTP joint, which can make the toe feel stiff.

Tenderness

The toe may be painful to the touch.

Bruising

There may be some bruising around the MTP joint, which sometimes becomes more apparent a day or two after the initial injury.

Instability

You may feel like the joint is “giving way” or that the toe is not as secure as it should be. This is more common in severe cases where the ligaments or tendons around the joint are completely torn.

A “Popping” Sound at the Time of Injury

In some cases, people report hearing a “popping” sound when the injury occurs. This is usually an indication of a more serious injury, such as a complete ligament tear or dislocation.

Stiffness and Inability to Move the Toe

In severe cases, the toe may be so stiff that you are unable to move it. This is usually an indication of a complete ligament tear.

It’s important to note that not all of the abovementioned symptoms need to be present for a turf toe diagnosis. Cases can vary based on cause and severity, and it’s entirely conceivable to see two patients with turf toe who have completely different symptom profiles.

What Causes Turf Toe?

Turf toe is a common injury in football and other contact sports played on artificial turf, but it can also occur in any activity that puts stress on the big toe joint.

The most common cause of turf toe is forceful dorsiflexion – when the toe is forced upwards beyond its normal range of motion. This can happen when the toe gets caught in the turf, as is often seen in football players, or when landing from a jump, as is common in basketball players.

Other causes of turf toe include:

• Wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels, which can force the toe into an unnatural position.
• Participating in activities that put stress on the big toe joint, such as dancing.
• Having flat feet or high arches, which can predispose you to the condition.

Lowering Your Risk of Turf Toe

Although it’s impossible to guarantee any sports injury will never happen, simple steps can greatly reduce your risk of turf toe. They include:

• Wearing quality, sport-specific shoes. A stiffer-than-average sole can help protect those who are more vulnerable to turf toe.
• Wearing an appropriate set of arch supports or custom orthotics. Dr. Timson can analyze your gait and foot shape to determine whether you could benefit from supports or inserts.
• Using athletic tape around the toe when you play.
• Avoiding overuse mistakes, such as too much high-impact exercise for too many days in a row. Wisely incorporate cross-training and rest days to prevent overstrain.

Get the Relief You Need for Any Toe Injury

Turf toe is an injury that should always be evaluated and treated promptly. The sooner it can be properly addressed, the lower the risk that it will get worse or keep you from doing the activities you love.

Dr. Trent Timson has extensive experience helping athletes prevent and recover from all kinds of sports injuries, including turf toe. He’s helped athletes of all ages and levels, and he can help you, too!

Schedule an appointment by giving us a call or by filling out our online contact form.