Turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments around the big toe joint. Even though turf is in the name, this sprain can occur in athletes that don’t even play on turf. This condition is caused from jamming the big toe repeatedly, injury to the big toe, or from the force on the big toe while running and jumping. The injury usually occurs in athletes playing on hard surfaces that don’t have good shoe support. If the shoe allows the foot to bend to far forward it can hyperextend the foot causing the damage to ligaments around the big toe. After the injury occurs the area around the big toe will swell. Initially for the next 24 hours use the basic treatment or rest, ice, compression, elevation (R.I.C.E). Your doctor may have you immobilize the foot and in severe cases suggest surgery.
