Sidelined With Turf Toe

What do football, lacrosse, and soccer all have in common? They are all sports that are played on artificial turf fields and whose players have an increased risk for a namesake injury known as Turf Toe. This injury is to the big toe and occurs if the joint of the big toe gets hyperextended, such as when pushing off or when the foot is moving forward but the toe stops short or “jams.” The material that turf fields are made of tends to cause shoes to catch or stick more than natural turf, resulting in the jamming of the toe, hence the name Turf Toe.

Recognizing Turf Toe

Turf Toe can be a sudden injury, as in the case of a severe jamming of the toe that causes the supportive soft tissue structures on top of the toe to tear or rupture. In this case, you will feel pain at the moment the injury occurs, followed by swelling and limited joint mobility. Turf Toe can also come on gradually due to a repetitive pushing off motion of the foot. Pain and reduced range of motion of the big toe joint can be slight at first and will worsen little by little over time.

Diagnosis

At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle, the first step to diagnosing Turf Toe is a complete examination of the foot and toe by our board certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss. The foot doctor will want to get information regarding the injury or the activities you participate in that may have harmed the toe. Digital x-rays (which can be done in either our Waldorf or Clinton office) and other imaging studies may be ordered to completely assess the extent of the damage.

Treatment

Turf Toe requires rest to give the injury a chance to heal. The RICE regimen—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—may also be prescribed. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage to the toe. Your treatment will depend on the extent of your specific injury. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Turf Toe, contact our Waldorf or Clinton office at your soonest convenience to make an appointment.