Turf toe is the common term used to describe a ligament sprain around the big
toe joint. It is a painful condition that frequently occurs in sports (the term
originates from football players who practice on artifficial turf). Our podiatrist
near Rosenberg explains more below.
What is Turf Toe?
Turf toe is a sprain of the ligament joints surrounding the big toe, which facilitates
up and down motions. Behind the big toe joint, there are two small, round bones
(called sesamoids) in the tendon that move your big toe and function as a pulley
for the tendon. Damage caused by turf toe impairs the tendon’s ability to absorb
weight from the ball of the foot and limits leverage when running or walking.
Causes & Symptoms of Turf Toe
Turf toe is caused by jamming the big toe or repeatedly pushing off the big toe
with force (such as running or jumping). The condition mainly affects athletes
who play soccer, basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and dance. The symptoms
include:
Pain in the big toe
A “pop” noise or sensation when the injury occurs
Reduced joint movement
Swelling
This condition’s symptoms will worsen over time without treatment or if you
continue to play sports without healing the ligament first.
Treatments
At-home treatments include RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. For
mild cases, these approaches will usually resolve the pain and swelling while the
ligament heals. In moderate cases, you may need crutches or a walking boot while
the injury heals
.
In the most severe cases, surgery may be needed to fix broken bones in the foot, a
torn ligament, or joint damage. While surgery is a last resort, sometimes it is
necessary to get the best outcome and get back on your feet!
Contact Our Podiatrist near Rosenberg To Learn More Today!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is
for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and
other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Vargas Foot & Ankle
Specialists, with a convenient podiatry office near Rosenberg by clicking here or
by calling 281.643.7873.
