Orthopedic Expertise for the Treatment of Turf Toe

Causes & Risk Factors for Turf Toe

Turf toe occurs when an outside force causes the toe to hyperextend or angle upwards more than it should. This is a common, repetitive action among athletes including football and basketball players, sprinters, gymnasts, wrestlers and dancers. Repeated over time and with enough force, this can cause a sprain in the ligaments that surround the joint and lead to pain, swelling and limited toe movement. Sometimes a “pop” will be heard or felt at the time of injury.

Other foot conditions that may cause or aggravate turf toe include:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Arthritis
• Bunions
• Morton’s neuroma
• Hammertoes
• Stress fractures

Another common cause of turf toe is poorly fitted footwear, including shoes with high heels that place excessive pressure on the toes. Sometimes, an abnormal gait may also be a factor.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Doctors can typically diagnose turf toe with a simple physical exam of the foot, noting the pattern and location of any swelling. Imaging tests like X-ray may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of the symptoms.

If a diagnosis of turf toe is confirmed, the primary treatment will be rest and avoiding weight-bearing activities that could further injure the joint. While resting the affected foot, patients will be advised to follow the RICE protocol:

Rest: Avoid high impact, weight-bearing activities.
Ice: Apply cold packs immediately after injury and several times a day to minimize swelling.
Compression: Lightly wrap the area in a soft bandage to help prevent additional swelling.
Elevation: Keep the injured foot elevated above the level of the heart as much as possible.

Your doctor may also recommend one or more of the following:

• Immobilization of the toe by taping, casting or wearing a walking boot
• Crutches
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen
• Physical therapy
• At-home exercises to strengthen the joint
• Custom-designed shoe inserts

It can take several weeks for the pain and swelling of turf toe to subside. In severe cases, surgical repair may be required.