Turf Toe
This series of educational material is a broad overview of foot problems, and not as detailed as an actual podiatrist visit. I recommend you to see a podiatrist for professional evaluation of your foot and ankle problems. This is for educational purposes only.
This material is from my own experiences seeing patients. Other podiatrists may have different recommendations. Each examination has nuances and details too small to mention in this type of presentation.
What is Turf Toe?
Turf toe is an injury or sprain to the soft tissues under the big toe. Turf toe ranges from mild to severe. Mild is a sprain of the ligaments, moderate is and severe is tearing of the ligaments.
Causes
Turf toe can occur in any activity that suddenly forces the big toe up. This most commonly occurs in American football but can occur in any sport or activity with fast direction changes or dancing.
Symptoms
Mild:
1-4/10 pain under the big toe with weightbearing, with raising the big toe, or pushing down against pressure with the big toe.
Slight swelling
Moderate:
4-6/10 pain under the big toe with weightbearing, with raising the big toe, or pushing down against pressure with the big toe.
Slight to moderate swelling
Possible bruising
Difficult to push off your big toe with running or walking due to discomfort.
Severe:
7-10/10 pain under the big toe with weightbearing, with raising the big toe, or pushing down against pressure with the big toe.
Swelling
Bruising
Dislocation or unstable/loose joint connecting the big toe to the foot.
Difficult/Unable to walk due to pain pushing off with the big toe.
Treatment
Turf toe is caused by a sudden upward pressure on the big toe. Treatment consists of decreasing inflammation and immobilizing the big toe to allow healing of the soft tissue.
A podiatrist visit can be important because Xrays and MRI are often needed to evaluate the extent of damage.
A basic mild treatment plan is:
1-3 weeks in a very stiff soled shoe, or shoe with carbon fiber insert, or surgical shoe.
Ice 2x day 15 mins each for 1-2 weeks.
Elevate foot above heart level while sitting to decrease swelling.
NSAIDs
You may continue activity but stop when it causes a mild soreness to begin.
Moderate treatment plan is similar to above but may also need physical therapy, CAM boot, or longer treatment times.
Severe injuries often need surgical repair.