Turf Toe

In continuing with last blog’s theme of the World Cup in South Africa, we’ll take a look at another soccer injury that podiatrists see. Turf toe is becoming increasingly common as more complexes and even high schools are installing some form of an artificial playing surface. However, this doesn’t mean that it has to be a sports-trauma injury or occur solely on turf.

Turf toe occurs when the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), or the big toe, becomes hyperextended. This results in a joint capsule sprain or potential tear of the capsule and ligaments. Usually this occurs when the heel is off the ground and the front of the foot is planted. An outside force then comes along and forces that big toe to bend even further, hyperextending the joint. Patients with turf toe complain of swelling, redness, pain or misalignment of the big toe during or after a traumatic event. The best form of prevention is to make sure your footwear is activity-specific and fits correctly.

Your podiatrist can treat turf toe a number of ways depending on the severity. Initial treatment consists of rest, ice, and elevation. A shoe with a stiff sole can help reduce motion of the injured toe while walking. Physical therapy may be recommended. An orthotic device could also be used to better align the foot structure and decrease the strain on the bottom of the joint. In the case of dislocation, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to properly align the joint. And as always, for this soccer injury and all the others with it, come by and see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison for all your foot and ankle needs.