TURF TOE
                     TURF TOE
• Chiropractors define turf toe as a big toe injury and 
it is hyperextended resulting in a sprain of the 
ligaments surrounding the big toe. Turf toe is a 
common condition among sportsmen involved in 
soccer, football, lacrosse, track, and gymnastics. 
Sportsmen and athletes experience common such as 
swelling, pain, inflammation, and the aforementioned 
hyperextension.
• Sometimes, turf toes are confused with sand Toe that 
is a close relative of turf toe. The sand toe can 
prevent you from experiencing a full range of mobility 
as a result of repetitive movement in areas of sand 
from sports like running, beach volleyball, or even 
surfing. This may be considered a sprain of the 
metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ).
HOW IS TUR TOE CAUSED?
• The big toe joint consists of a long bone with a 
rounded end covered with cartilage, which joins with 
the concave base of the toe bone. Turf toe occurs due 
to hyperextension - when you bend your big toe too 
far from your foot. Hyperextension can lead to a sprain 
or injury to your toe along with the ligaments that 
surround it. When sprain or injury happens, the big toe 
area and the MTP joint referred to as plantar complex, 
can get injured. Turf toe can affect various areas such 
as:
• Sesamoids: Small bones (tow) that help absorb 
weight on the front of your foot
• Flexor hallucis brevis: This is a tendon supporting 
the big toe when you put your weight on it while 
running or jumping.
• Collateral ligaments: These are bands of tissues 
that connect your toe bones keeping the big toe from 
bending too much to either side of your foot.
• Plantar plate: a structure that keeps your big toe 
from being bent too far up.
HOW TO IDENTIFY TURF TOE?
• People suffering from turf toe experience symptoms 
ranging from mild to severe. If turf toe is caused by 
a sudden injury, you may even hear or feel a “pop”. 
You may also experience symptoms such as:
• Pain increases after extending the big toe.
• Pain increases after bearing weight upon it.
• Popping feeling in the foot as the injury occurs.
• Swelling around the big toe.
• Instability and limited movement of the big toe.
• Stiffness around the big toe.
• The symptoms may be severe and develop 
immediately if the damage occurs due to sudden 
movement.
• Toe joint feeling lose or unstable.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE TURF TOE?
• Your doctor would examine your toe and gently 
pushes on the affected area to check for 
tenderness. The doctor may also check for the 
range of motion of the big toe.
• To check for the damage in the bones and soft 
tissues, your provider may order an X-ray or 
MRI scan. These tests produce images of bones, 
ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues.
HOW TO TREAT TURF TOE?
• The treatment of turf toe depends on the grade of the injury. The 
healthcare provider may recommend:
• Rest: The doctor would advise you to stop doing activities that 
can make your injury worse and give your toe a break so the 
sprain can heal.
• Ice and elevation: Applying a cold compress to your affected 
toe. Ice helps reduce the swelling and pain and elevating your toe 
reduces inflammation.
• Over-the-counter pain medication: The healthcare provider 
would advise nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to 
relieve pain and reduce swelling.
• Physical therapy (PT): The physical therapist will give you 
exercises and stretches to help your toe heal. A customized PT 
program includes exercises to reduce stiffness, improve flexibility 
and strengthen muscles that support the MTP joint.
• Stabilization: The doctor would apply the tape on your big toe to 
your smaller toes. This turf toe taping technique restricts motion 
while your toe heals.
• Orthotics: The doctor may recommend special inserts that fit into 
your shoe. Orthotics stabilize and support your toe joint while 
you’re running, jumping, or playing sports.
• Surgery: Rarely, a turf toe injury requires surgery to repair severe 
tears, fractures, or joint damage. The type of surgery depends on 
the injury's location and which bones and soft tissues have the 
damage.
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