what is turf toe injury

Turf toe is a sprain of the main joint of the big toe. It occurs when the ligament underneath the big toe hyperextends, causing a sprain in the main joint of the big toe. The injury can happen when the big toe is bent too far or too forcefully, such as when it is bent at a 90-degree angle and pressed flat against the ground. Turf toe can result from many repetitive movements over time, such as ballet dancers jumps, or from sudden trauma, such as a hit. It is commonly associated with athletes competing on a turf surface, but it can happen to anyone and can occur in various sports and activities, flexible or rigid shoe wear, and turf or flat surfaces. Symptoms of turf toe include pain, swelling, and limited joint movement. The severity of the injury can be graded by healthcare providers based on the extent of the damage to the soft tissue. Treatment for turf toe typically involves rest, ice, and elevation, and in severe cases, surgical repair may be necessary.