Turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments around the big toe joint, usually caused by hyperextension (bending the toe too far upward), commonly seen in athletes playing on artificial turf.
Causes:
- Sudden forceful push-off or trauma to the toe
- Repeated stress on the forefoot
- Playing sports on hard surfaces (e.g., turf) with flexible shoes
Symptoms:
- Pain, swelling, and tenderness at the base of the big toe
- Difficulty pushing off while walking or running
- Bruising or limited toe movement in severe cases
Diagnosis:
- Clinical examination
- X-ray or MRI to assess severity and rule out fractures
Treatment:
- Mild cases: Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), taping
- Moderate to severe: Immobilization, physiotherapy, limited activity
- Rarely: Surgery for severe ligament tears or instability
Consult your turf toe specialist in Ahmedabad for better outcome.