Turf toe is an injury that occurs when the forefoot is fixed on the ground, the heel is raised, and a force pushes the big toe into hyperextension. By forcing the toe beyond its normal range of motion, the main joint of the big toe becomes sprained the surrounding ligaments can become damaged.
Athletes have the highest risk factor due to the amount of force that is applied to their feet, the type of ground they play on, and the design of athletic shoes. Certain sports have a higher risk for turf toe, such as soccer, football, hockey, and rugby. Hard surfaces like artificial turf, are unyielding and not very shock-absorbent to the forefoot. This lack of cushion also applies to athletic shoes, as they have been designed for flexibility and agility, but not for the stability of the foot.
Turf toe can happen more than once to the same joint, which is why it is important to see a podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Centers to examine the severity and damage inflicted on this joint. In addition, damage to the big toe joint can also develop over time from repetitive strain and pressure.
At Foot & Ankle Centers, our experienced podiatrist can provide a thorough evaluation of your turf toe injury to determine the exact severity of the condition. To evaluate the injury, the podiatrist will assess the range of motion in the toe and joint stability, and may use X-rays to get a more detailed view of the affected area in severe cases.
Based on the evaluation results, our podiatrist will develop a customized treatment plan that may include various options. For example, pain and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed or recommended to alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation. A walking cast boot may also be provided to keep the toe joint stabilized and prevent further damage.
In addition, our podiatrist will teach you exercises that can help strengthen the muscles in your big toe, which can aid in the healing process and improve your range of motion. Orthotics, such as fortified soles under the forefoot, may also be recommended to provide additional support to the affected area and prevent further injury.
At Foot & Ankle Centers, our goal is to provide comprehensive care to help you manage your turf toe injury effectively and achieve a full recovery.
0 Comments