Turf Toe 101: What Football Fans Are Wondering
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Turf toe treatment is something Dr. Castelein at Brighton Foot & Ankle gets asked about frequently, especially after high-profile NFL and NBA injuries make headlines. Turf toe is an injury to the base of the big toe that can range from a mild ligament strain to a complete tear requiring surgery.
What Is Turf Toe Treatment and Why Does It Matter?
Turf toe is an injury to the base of the big toe involving the sesamoid bones and surrounding ligaments. Despite the casual-sounding name, it can be a serious injury that sidelines athletes for weeks or months depending on severity.
The name comes from the fact that this injury became more common as football moved to artificial turf surfaces in the 1970s and 80s. A recent study published in the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine found that foot injuries were twice as likely to occur on artificial turf compared to natural grass.
What Causes Turf Toe?
Turf toe typically happens when the foot is planted and the big toe is forcefully bent upward, such as when a player is tackled or pushed from behind. This can injure the ligaments, tendons, and sesamoid bones at the base of the big toe.
How Severe Can Turf Toe Be?
Turf toe injuries are classified in three levels. A level one injury involves a mild ligament strain. A level two injury involves a partial tear. A level three injury involves a complete tear of one or more ligaments and may require surgery to repair. In severe cases involving dislocation, surgery is often necessary to restore stability to the joint.
How Is Turf Toe Treated?
For mild to moderate turf toe injuries, treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation, along with immobilization in a boot. More severe cases, especially in competitive athletes who need full strength and stability in the toe, may require surgical repair of the torn ligaments or sesamoid bones.
If you’re dealing with big toe pain after a sports injury, contact Brighton Foot & Ankle to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Castelein.
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