Turf toe is a sports injury that often affects football players who play on artificial turf. Other athletes who compete on hard surfaces, such as ballet dancers, basketball players, and wrestlers, can also develop turf toe. Turf toe occurs when the big toe is bent (or hyper-extended) too much toward the top of the foot. Turf toe is generally accompanied by tenderness, swelling, immobility and stiffness in the big toe joint, but the most common sign is pain while bending the toe. The pain in the big toe can gradually increase over time if the toe is hyper-extended repeatedly. Athletes, or any patient, struggling to walk due to pain in their big toe should consult with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis of the condition and a correct course of treatment. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Scott Shrem from Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hazlet, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.