Turf Toe is a condition in which pain is experienced at the base of the toe. The condition is caused due to a sprain in the big toe as a result of excessive running and jumping. Significant damage to the ligaments and the joint capsule adjacent to the toe joint causes its range of motion to be impaired. The toe becomes stiff and becomes painful due to swelling. Commonly, this term is associated with players who play on artificial field like in football and basketball, but is also quite common in athletes involved in gymnastics, wrestling and dance. Turf Toe injury can be classified as:
Grade I: Minor swelling, some tenderness but no bruising
Grade II: Swelling ranges from mild to severe, with some bruising
Grade III: Moderate to severe bruising, with tenderness and swelling which is painful
Grade II: Swelling ranges from mild to severe, with some bruising
Grade III: Moderate to severe bruising, with tenderness and swelling which is painful
Causes:
- The common causes of Turf Toe have been described below:
- When forefoot is fixed on the ground and heel is raised, some force pushes the toe into hyperextension.
- Artificial lawn surfaces are responsible for causing turf toe as they are hard and less shock absorbent.
- Shoes worn by athletes during sports activity provide flexibility but instability to the forefoot.
- A simple jamming or stubbing of the toe can also cause this condition
- Previous injuries to the toe and forefoot
Symptoms:
- Pain is experienced at the base of the toe
- Noticeable swelling both at the toe and the ball of the foot
- Popping sound at time of injury
- Bruising around the toe and ball of the foot
- Limited range of motion of the toe
- The toe becomes tender
- Mobility is reduced
Diagnosis:
Medical history and examinations can help orthopedic doctor determine the severity of injury to the toe. The doctor can check for signs of swelling, bruising and examine the range of motion of the joint. Imaging tests like X-Rays and MRI create clear pictures of bones and let the doctor detect the injured part. MRI creates better images of the soft tissues and help in determining the cartilage injuries.
Treatment:
Medical history and examinations can help orthopedic doctor determine the severity of injury to the toe. The doctor can check for signs of swelling, bruising and examine the range of motion of the joint. Imaging tests like X-Rays and MRI create clear pictures of bones and let the doctor detect the injured part. MRI creates better images of the soft tissues and help in determining the cartilage injuries.
Treatment:
Turf Toe can be treated with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) therapy when the injury is Grade I. Providing proper rest to the toe, icing several times a day, reducing the swelling with compression bandage and elevating the leg at a level higher than heart to reduce swelling can be effective in treating the injury when it occurs. Grade II injuries can be treated by prescribing a walking boot, with rest time varying from 3 to 14 days. Grade III injuries are treated by immobilizing the toe for several weeks. Walking boots or casts are used to keep the toe in a stable position. Physical therapy to help restore the strength of the toe is followed soon after. Surgery is performed in case the symptoms persist and athlete is not able to perform in sports. Grade III injuries may even require surgery if there is internal fracture and there is damage to the cartilage joint.
Turf Toe injuries heal fairly well. It may take a few weeks for pain to fully subside. It can be avoided by wearing comfortable shoes that provide support to the base of the foot. If possible, one should avoid playing on hard surfaces to prevent this condition.
