Overview

Causes

Turf toe happens when the first joint of the big toe is forced past its normal range of motion. It can happen when the foot is on the ground, the heel is raised, and a person falls onto you. It may also be caused by stopping too suddenly when running.

Risk Factors

Things that raise the risk of turf toe are:

  • Activities, such as:
    • Football
    • Soccer
    • Rugby
    • Basketball
    • Running
    • Gymnastics
    • Dancing
  • Playing sports on artificial turf
  • Wearing the wrong type of sports shoes

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Problems may be:

  • Pain in the ball of the foot and the big toe
  • Swelling and bruising of the ball of the foot and the big toe
  • Problems putting weight on the foot
  • Problems pushing off on the big toe
  • Limited range of motion in the big toe

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. You will also be asked how you injured the toe. An exam of your toe will be done.

Images of the foot may be taken. This can be done with:

  • X-ray
  • MRI scan

Treatments

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to ease pain and improve movement. This can be done with:

  • Supportive care, such as ice and rest
  • Medicine to ease pain and swelling
  • A pad to cushion the area under the toe
  • Stiff soled shoes or shoe inserts to keep the toe moving too much
  • Physical therapy

A person with a severe sprain may need a walking boot or cast. Some people may need surgery. This is not common.

Prevention

The risk of turf toe may be lowered by wearing stiff soled shoes when playing sports.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.