Do I Have Turf Toe?

Do you experience pain at the base of one big toe?

Is there swelling at the base of the big toe?

Is there limited joint movement at the base of the big toe?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have turf toe. Turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments around the joint of the big toe. It’s often associated with football players who play on artificial turf. However, it affects athletes in other sports too, such as gymnastics, basketball, soccer, and wrestling. A turf toe is caused by jamming the big toe or repeatedly pushing it off forcefully when running and jumping.

Based on your answers, you are displaying some signs of turf toe. A turf toe is caused by jamming the big toe or repeatedly pushing it off forcefully when running and jumping. Turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments around the joint of the big toe. Often, the injury is sudden. It’s commonly seen in athletes who play on artificial surfaces. Also, it can happen on grass surface, especially if the athlete is wearing shoes that don’t provide adequate support. Make sure to visit your doctor and follow his instructions.

Based on your answers, you are displaying the signs typically seen among individuals who have turf toe. Treatment includes a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter medication to control pain and reduce inflammation. It usually takes 2-3 weeks for the pain to go away. Sometimes, patients require physical therapy after the immobilization of the joint. To prevent turf toe in the future, make sure to wear shoes with better support, or use specially designed inserts. Also, a physical therapist can help you correct any problems in your gait to reduce the chance of future injuries.