Turf toe is an injury that occurs among athletes, usually those engaged in team sports. It’s called turf toe because it’s more common in football players who play on the turf.
It happens when the toes are hyperextended, such as in a “push off” stance, and an external force applies sudden, intense pressure in a way that excessively stretches the soft tissue on the bottom part of the big toe.
The injury is less commonly seen outside of sports, but can happen if you step on a curb or stair wrong, especially while running. When it happens, the pain is often instantaneous. The injury should be treated immediately by immobilizing the injured toe (tape, stiff footwear, etc.), icing, elevating, and resting.
If the tissue becomes chronic, prescribed orthotics with study or stiff shoes are worn to limit motion. Physical activity is limited to give the ligaments time to heal. Strengthening exercises are later used to prepare the toe for regular activity.
Healing time for minor sprains could resolve within days to several weeks, while full tears can take months to heal, significantly delaying an athlete’s ability to effectively return to their sport with full ability.
If turf toe is not treated, pain may continue and the injury can become a chronic condition. Surgery is rarely necessary, used only in injuries that otherwise are not healing adequately.
If you exercise a painful sprain such as turf toe, see a sports medicine physician or foot and ankle orthopedist as soon as possible.
