Turf Toe
Turf toe is an injury of the big toe joint in which the toe is bent excessively upward causing a sprain. This type of injury usually results from sports activities involving pushing off repeatedly when running and jumping. Sports such as soccer, football, wrestling, gymnastics and dancing are considered higher risk.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of turf toe includes pain, swelling, and limited joint movement. If injury is from repetitive action, symptoms appear slowly and worsens over time. In direct injuries, the onset of pain is acute due to damage to cartilage and ligaments. Both types of injuries will result in pain that last several weeks to months in duration.
Diagnosis:
Physical exam of the joint with range of motion, together with medical history can provide the right diagnosis. To examine for any fractures, X-rays can be ordered. Other advanced imaging can be helpful if persistent pain and swelling does not resolve in a timely manner.
Treatment:
Initial treatment of rest, ice, compression and elevation is recommended. Acute turf toe can be immobilized to decrease symptoms. Less flexible shoes can assist with symptom relief as well. In severe cases, operative treatment can be considered.
Turf toe is an injury of the big toe joint in which the toe is bent excessively upward causing a sprain. This type of injury usually results from sports activities involving pushing off repeatedly when running and jumping. Sports such as soccer, football, wrestling, gymnastics and dancing are considered higher risk.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of turf toe includes pain, swelling, and limited joint movement. If injury is from repetitive action, symptoms appear slowly and worsens over time. In direct injuries, the onset of pain is acute due to damage to cartilage and ligaments. Both types of injuries will result in pain that last several weeks to months in duration.
Diagnosis:
Physical exam of the joint with range of motion, together with medical history can provide the right diagnosis. To examine for any fractures, X-rays can be ordered. Other advanced imaging can be helpful if persistent pain and swelling does not resolve in a timely manner.
Treatment:
Initial treatment of rest, ice, compression and elevation is recommended. Acute turf toe can be immobilized to decrease symptoms. Less flexible shoes can assist with symptom relief as well. In severe cases, operative treatment can be considered.