Facts about Turf Toe

Fall is the season when we at Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle see the greatest number of cases of Turf Toe. For those patients who are unfamiliar with this condition, we’d like to present information that will help you identify this condition and encourage you to seek prompt treatment.

FACT: Turf Toe is a sprain of the big toe that usually is the result of intense or excessive bending upward of the joint at the base of the big toe. This injury can be caused by repetitive pushing off when jumping or running or by jamming the toe.

FACT: This injury happens frequently to football players, especially those who play on artificial turf because the foot tends to stick and not move as freely on this type of surface. That is why the condition is called Turf Toe. It is estimated that approximately 45% of professional football players have experienced Turf Toe.

FACT: Turf Toe also affects athletes who play soccer, basketball and wrestling. It is common among dancers, those who do gymnastics and people who practice martial arts too.

FACT: Symptoms of Turf Toe include pain (especially when attempting to walk), trouble bending the toe, swelling, throbbing, tenderness and bruising. If you start to experience any of these symptoms, it’s important that you make an appointment at our Spring Hill (352 683-5799) or Hudson (727-868-2128) office to get your toe evaluated. Our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, will examine your toe and also most likely order an x-ray to make sure a fracture has not also occurred.

FACT: Treatment for Turf Toe usually consists of rest, icing, compression and elevation—also known as the RICE regimen. The foot doctor may also suggest that you switch to less-flexible footwear for your sport. In severe cases, damage to the big toe may require surgery to repair.

It’s never a good idea to “play through the pain.” If you sustain an injury on or off the field, contact us as soon as possible for the best possible recovery.