TURF TOE, WHAT IS IT?

Every year as we get deeper into football season, I see more and more reports of turf toe. While the name sounds fairly innocent, this injury associated with playing sports on rigid surface can be debilitating to athletes at all levels. Turf toe occurs when the toe is hyperextended causing varying degrees of tearing to the capsule and ligaments surrounding the joint. SEE BELOW

NOTRE DAME’S JIMMY CLAUSEN SUSTAINED THIS KIND OF INJURY EARLIER THIS FALL.

Turf toe injuries are graded based on the amount tearing (partial or complete) to the joint lining and ligaments as well as the degree of associated bone injury. Afflicted athletes may have difficulty with acceleration, change of direction, and jumping. Most players will recover in one to three months with rest, taping, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and custom inserts. Fortunately, only the most severe turf toe injuries require surgery.

If you experience a turf toe injury that results in difficulty walking, pain with motion of the joint, and doesn’t improve with rest, schedule an exam with your local foot and ankle expert. An MRI will help determine the severity of your injury and the required treatment.

Take a look at this video featuring a local athlete and his turf toe injury experience.

For more in-depth information, you can check out the Turf Toe chapter we contributed to the new book, Foot and Ankle Surgery Operative Techniques.