Turf Toe

Enjoying comfortable and easy movement relies in large part on healthy feet. While all your toes bear your body's weight when walking and help you move faster when running, your big toe plays the most significant role in maintaining your balance and supporting your body weight.

Understanding turf toe

When direct trauma or overuse subjects the main joint of the big toe to excessive force that causes it to bend upward more than normal, it can result in an injury known as "turf toe." More commonly seen in athletes who play sports on hard, less shock-absorbent surfaces like artificial turf, this injury can also happen in other sports and activities if the toe is suddenly jammed or repeatedly stressed when pushing off to run or jump.

What are the symptoms of turf toe?

Turf toe symptoms reflect the severity of the injury. When the tissues comprising the "plantar complex," which is the main joint in the big toe, are only slightly stretched, it produces localized tenderness and swelling. However, when partial or complete tears, which involve more significant damage to the joint complex, occur, they produce more extensive swelling, discomfort, and tenderness. 

In addition to inflammation and pain, turf toe injuries to varying degrees also impair joint movement and limit mobility. Although in cases of repetitive stress, the symptoms emerge slowly, direct trauma produces immediate discomfort and damage. 

How is turf toe treated?

Treatment depends on the precise diagnosis and assessment of the injury. For this reason, it's essential to see a skilled professional for care. Many turf toe injuries respond to conservative, non-operative modes of care, including RICE, orthotics, less-flexible footwear, or immobilization. However, more severe cases with evidence of severe tears, fractures, or cartilage damage may require a surgical procedure to alleviate pain, promote healing, and restore function.        

At the office of Dr. J. Turner Vosseller, we specialize in the treatment of foot and ankle issues and provide skilled and experienced care to treat Turf Toe injuries. 

Personalized Care

From an Experienced Orthopaedist