Athletic Training Blog Series #7
Turf Toe
We’ve all heard it. Some professional football player (most famously Antonio Gates) does not suit up on a Sunday because they have Turf Toe-and it ends up sidelining them for weeks. It’s just a toe, right? How can it be such an issue that he can’t play?
In simple terms Turf Toe is a sprain of the joint of the big toe at the ball of your foot. In fancier terms it is a sprain of the MTP joint (Metatarsal Phalanx) and the structures surrounding it. Turf Toe is caused when the MTP joint is forced into extreme hyperextension, such as being on your toes and pushing a lineman back, or taking off out of the blocks running track.
It got the name Turf Toe when NFL teams began playing on Astroturf (grass rug on cement) because many players developed it as the surface had very little give in comparison to grass fields, or today’s field turf fields with 7 or 8 layers of substances under the “grass”.
Turf toe can be treated fairly easily once diagnosed. Typically it presents with pain in the MTP joint area. There can also be swelling, and limited motion. Turf toe could cause you to change how you are walking. The best thing, like for many injuries is rest. Ice is also helpful in reducing pain. Once the pain has begun to subside, and range of motion has returned, there is a fairly simple taping that can provide extra support to allow you to return to sport safely.
Like any injury it takes some people longer than others to heal. If you speak up early, the chances of quick recovery are much greater.
