Podiatrist in Plano, TX: What is Turf Toe?

Turf toe is the common term used to describe a ligament sprain around the big toe joint. It is a painful condition that frequently occurs in sports (the term originates from football players who practice on artificial turf). Our podiatrist in Plano, TX, explains more below.

What is Turf Toe?

Turf toe is a sprain of the ligament joints surrounding the big toe, which facilitates up and down motions. Behind the big toe joint, there are two small, round bones (called sesamoids) in the tendon that move your big toe and function as a pulley for the tendon. Damage caused by turf toe impairs the tendon’s ability to absorb weight from the ball of the foot and limits leverage when running or walking.

Causes & Symptoms of Turf Toe

Turf toe is caused by jamming the big toe or repeatedly pushing off the big toe with force (such as running or jumping). The condition mainly affects athletes who play soccer, basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and dance. The symptoms include:

Pain in the big toe
A “pop” noise or sensation when the injury occurs
Reduced joint movement
Swelling

This condition’s symptoms will worsen over time without treatment or if you continue to play sports without healing the ligament first.

Treatments

At-home treatments include RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. For mild cases, these approaches will usually resolve the pain and swelling while the ligament heals. In moderate cases, you may need crutches or a walking boot while the injury heals.

In the most severe cases, surgery may be needed to fix broken bones in the foot, a torn ligament, or joint damage. While surgery is a last resort, sometimes it is necessary to get the best outcome and get back on your feet!

Contact Our Podiatrist in Plano, TX, To Learn More Today!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about hammertoe and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Dallas Podiatry Works, with a convenient podiatry office in Plano, TX, by calling 972.564.8556 or by clicking here.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.