With the summer in full swing and the days calling for outdoor activities and sports, we need to be aware of “Turf Toe”!
“Turf Toe” is a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. The “metatarsophalangeal joint” is the joint located at the base of the big toe where it attaches to the forefoot. A “sprain” is an injury of a ligament which is connective tissue attaching one bone to another. Turf Toe occurs as a result of the toe being forced into dorsiflexion (i.e. extension). This would occur if you got your foot stuck in the ground outdoors or when taking off into a sprint. As an aside, over time in American football, as games became increasingly played on artificial turf, more and more competitors began experiencing Turf Toe. This is due to the fact that grass has more give and is more shock absorbing compared to artificial turf which would contribute to the development of Turf Toe and the establishment of its name.
Depending on the severity of trauma, soft tissue damage at the area of the metatarsophalangeal joint can range from minor in nature to resulting in complete tears and even dislocation of the joint. This extreme scenario would not only produce significant pain but also difficulty in moving the injured toe. In general, the severity of tissue damage will lead to variation in the signs and symptoms of Turf Toe. For example, there will be varying presentation of swelling, bruising and the distribution of pain as well as available motion at the big toe.
Any sport and/or activity whereby the foot is loaded when the heel is lifted off the ground and the big toe is forced into dorsiflexion can result in Turf Toe. Moreover, athletes whose sport is predominantly played on artificial turf (such as in American football) typically wear shoes that are softer and more pliable but consequently offer less support to the toe area of the foot. The combination of these factors can unfortunately contribute to the development of Turf Toe.
The great news is that Turf Toe can be assessed and treated effectively by conservative methods from Chiropractors and Physiotherapists. Special tests such as x-rays may be ordered in order to rule out the presence of fracture or joint anomalies as a result of trauma.
If you think you may be suffering from Turf Toe, contact our head office at 416-385-0110 or book your next appointment online today!
Author: Dr. Paolo De Ciantis, B.Sc.(Hons.). M.Sc., D.C.