Turf Toe is a sprain of the big toe!
The ligaments and the joint capsule are irritated in the big toe.
It happens after the big toe is repeatedly forced to bend and extend during certain movements.
This condition often occurs with;
Footballers using soft sports shoes on astro turf
Runners training for distance running
Tennis players
Hockey players
Dancers
People who wear High Heels
Or anyone who pushes excessively off their toes.
The severity of the injury can range from a mild stretching to a complete rupture of the
capsule and surrounding ligaments.
In some cases, this condition can lead to damage to the muscles that flex the big toe.
It may also be associated with a small bone tear where the muscle attaches.
Signs & Symptoms
Pain and joint stiffness
Difficulty with impact activities such as running
Swelling around the big toe
You feel as if you cannot move or bend your big toe
Feels like walking on a pebble
WHAT TO DO
Initial stage
Relative rest is a good way to prevent your symptoms from getting worse. A few days of rest by reducing activities that cause significant pain may be necessary.
PRICE - Protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Protect from further injury - wear a flat stiff shoe
Rest - light daily activities - no running or sports
Ice - ice (do not put ice directly to your skin) ice the bottom of your toe to prevent further swelling, this will help with pain relief
Compression - using sports tape, strap your big toe up to stop it bending
Elevation - keep your feet rested on a stool for short periods.
However, it is very important to avoid de-conditioning. A return to your activities of daily living, to light cardiovascular exercises that do not cause an increase in pain, to joint mobilisation exercises and to strengthening the muscles of the foot and ankle will allow a better recovery. Short-term use of sports taping can sometimes be beneficial.
Book a virtual or in clinic appointment to get you back to yourself quickly.