Turf toe is a sprain of the main joint in the big toe. The sprain is stretching or tearing of the bands of tissue that support the toe.
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Turf toe happens when the first joint of the big toe is forced past its normal range of motion. It can happen when the foot is on the ground, the heel is raised, and a person falls onto you. It may also be caused by stopping too suddenly when running.
Things that raise the risk of turf toe are:
Problems may be:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked how you injured the toe. An exam of your toe will be done.
Images of the foot may be taken. This can be done with:
The goal of treatment is to ease pain and improve movement. This can be done with:
A person with a severe sprain may need a walking boot or cast. Some people may need surgery. This is not common.
The risk of turf toe may be lowered by wearing stiff-soled shoes when playing sports.
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
http://www.aapmr.org
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org
British Columbia Podiatric Medical Association
http://www.foothealth.ca
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://coa-aco.org
Hossain M, Clutton J, et al. Stress Fractures of the Foot. Clin Sports Med. 2015 Oct;34(4):769-790.
Stress fractures of the foot and ankle. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/stress-fractures-of-the-foot-and-ankle. Updated March 20, 2017. Accessed May 12, 2020.
Turf toe. Foot Health Facts—American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/turf-toe. Accessed May 12, 2020.
Turf toe. Ortho Info—American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00645. Published June 2019. Accessed May 12, 2020.
Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM Last Updated: 5/12/2020
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